Lander University

Hailey Franklin

Acrobatics & Tumbling 2/12/2026 9:12:00 PM Hailey Franklin - Assistant Sports Information Director

No. 14 Lander Edged by Wingate in Home Opener Despite Leading into Final Event

GREENWOOD - The No. 14 Lander acrobatics & tumbling team led through five events but saw Wingate rally in the final rotation, as the Bearcats dropped a narrow 252.365-251.925 decision Thursday night in their home opener at Finis Horne Arena.

Lander (0-1) carried a 171.625-170.875 advantage into the decisive team event before Wingate (1-0) scored an 83.84 to Lander's 80.30 in the final rotation to secure the comeback victory.

The Bearcats opened the meet by taking the compulsory event, 35.95-35.40. Lander claimed victories in the pyramid heat with a score of 9.85, the toss heat with a 9.65, and the tumbling heat with a 9.05, establishing an early lead.

Lander extended its advantage in the acro event, winning two of the three heats. The Bearcats posted a 9.65 in the five-element heat and closed the event with a strong 9.55 in the seven-element heat to win the event, 28.40-26.95.

The Bearcats continued their steady performance in the pyramid event, edging Wingate, 28.60-28.70. Lander's top score came in the synchronized heat, where it recorded a 9.70 to remain in front overall.

Lander narrowly took the toss event, 27.20-27.10, behind a 9.35 in the 450 salto heat and a 9.05 in the synchronized heat, helping the Bearcats maintain the lead.

In the tumbling event, the Bearcats highlighted the rotation with a 9.375 in the aerial pass by Julie Szmitko and a 9.375 in the open pass by Jaedien Irizarry, while adding a 9.275 in the six-element pass to keep the meet tightly contested.

Despite leading throughout the meet, Wingate's late surge in the team event proved to be the difference, as the Bulldogs erased Lander's advantage to secure the win by less than half a point.

The Bearcats finished with an overall score of 251.925 in their season opener and will look to rebound in their next competition.

Lander will return to action Friday, Feb. 20, when it hosts Francis Marion in a Conference Carolinas matchup. The meet is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. at Finis Horne Arena.

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