The Quinnipiac acrobatics and tumbling team is gearing up for the National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association National Tournament.
The championships begin on Thursday with the national individual event finals. After closing their 2015 regular season at 5-3, the Bobcats will match up against Azusa Pacific in the team quarterfinals of the tournament on Friday, April 24. Quinnipiac heads to Fairmont State in West Virginia being placed fifth, while the Cougars sit in fourth place. To claim the title as champion, the top eight teams will compete in three meets in just 48 hours.
Steph Palange, Quinnipiac senior captain, says the team has grown from their first competition and even though the beginning of the season is always a struggle, the team has found a way to come together.
“Before every meet, we determine what we need to do in that meet. We focus on that and every time we pick something what we need to get better on,” Palange said.
The four time national champion Oregon Ducks are headed to Fairmont State looking to steal their fifth national title. But, the team is headed into this year’s tournament as the No. 3 seed. The past four national tournaments they have stood as the reigning champions heading into the NCATA championships as the No. 1 seed. To much surprise and a program turn around, this year’s undefeated powerhouse the No. 1 seed Baylor Bears are looking for their first NCATA win.
“It’s weird to see that Oregon’s not first. But, I think I think it’s cool and I think it’s what our sport needs to see a change like that to see that it’s not just one team that’s the best,” Palange said. “There are many of us that are talented that can do just as much as those people [Oregon and Baylor] and I think it’s a good change that the sport is going to see.”
The Quinnipiac acrobatics and tumbling team gained eight new freshmen for the 2015 season. Palange said these women have all unique talents, coming from all different sports backgrounds.
After four years on the team she understands the power of transitioning from an individual sport to a sport that requires team effort.
“I grew up doing gymnastics and went into cheerleading. This sport really is about getting the best score you possibly can for your team and it’s no longer about yourself.”
If the Bobcats defeat the Cougars in the quarterfinals Friday, they will advance to the semifinals against No. 1 Baylor or No. 8 King on Saturday April 25th at 10 a.m.
