The Oregon acrobatics and tumbling team earned its third victory over a top-10 opponent this season, defeating No. 4 Iona 268.105-265.210 at Matthew Knight Arena, according to a March 15 announcement.
The result highlights the team’s ability to win against strong competition, even as head coach Taylor Susnara said there is room for improvement before their next meet on March 25 in Honolulu. “I told the team right out of the gates, like, we got the win — let’s be happy with that,” Susnara said. “But at the end of the day, we’ve had way too many times where we win the meet because the other team messes up, not because we executed. And so next week, going into Hawaii, we’re really trying to be consistent, execute, so that way we can feel really happy and proud after the meet.”
Despite some inconsistencies during Sunday’s competition, Oregon (4-1) found strengths in both individual and group performances. Cassidy Cu and Angelica Martin contributed significant points in two heats of the acro event. The tumbling event was also a key factor in Oregon’s comeback from an early deficit; they outscored Iona 57.025-52.150 to take a lead into the final team event.
Susnara praised her athletes’ resilience: “So timely,” she said about her tumblers’ performance. “So happy with how they executed and really turned it around. Being down going into that can be a little bit stressful. And I think that everyone did a really good job boosting each other up… I think in tumbling event, a lot of those people for us are high competitors, and they do very consistent things in practice. And so, just trying to mold the rest of the team into that.” She also recognized Cu and Martin for their consistency: “We always name captains after practice or after meets,” Susnara said. “And today, we actually gave it to Cassidy and Angelica because they’ve been so consistent and we know exactly what we’re going to get from them. So when they got those two high scores, they definitely deserve the captain hat today.”
The Ducks led early by winning the compulsory event with standout performances from Ashlyn Parlett, Emily Rezner, Kamryn Horiuchi, Charlotte Lippa and Molly Dahlager; as well as Blessyn McMorris, Selah Bell, Ashlee Wagner, Genesis Mitchell and Angelica Martin in toss heats scoring 9.950 points each.
Although trailing after halftime despite gains in pyramid events—and facing an edge by Iona in toss—the Ducks surged ahead during tumbling thanks to strong routines by Sophia Wing and Carly Garcia (9.450), Nya Womack (9.675), Morgan Willingham (9.800), and Briya Alvarado (9.900). Alvarado reflected on her approach: “We like to say, start from score zero, don’t think about the other scores,” she said. “But for me, I’m focusing on myself… I’m really grateful, very happy with the outcome today.”
Oregon maintained its advantage through tumbling which allowed them to secure victory despite being narrowly outscored by Iona in the final team event.
Looking ahead, Oregon will compete at Hawaii Pacific on March 25.
