CLINTON, S.C. – The 13th-ranked Saint Leo University acrobatics and tumbling team spoiled senior day for Presbyterian College in a hard-fought victory by the visitors on Saturday afternoon. The Lions and the Blue Hose earned nearly identical scores in all but one heat over the course of the meet. Until the second head in the Tumbling category, neither team won a heat by more than a point. Saint Leo's 1.200 advantage over the home team in the second heat of the Tumbling category was the only such case. The Lions posted a 9.950 in the third heat of the Pyramid category for its highest score on the day, the same heat in which the home team earned a perfect 10.000. Saint Leo improved to 5-1 on the season with a 259.625-254.105 win over Presbyterian who falls to 5-2 on the season with both losses coming Saint Leo.

The Lions opened the meet with a 1.1 advantage over the Blue Hoes in the Compulsory category with its best scoring of a 9.800 coming from the pyramid heat. The Toss heat followed with a 9.650. Saint Leo led 36.200 to 35.100 after the opening category.

Saint Leo's best score in the Acro category came from the third heat with a 9.650 as it scored .300 better than Presbyterian for the categories largest margin of victory for the Lions. Saint Leo led grew by just 0.600 as it now led 64.650 to 62.950 heading into the Pyramid category of the meet.

The pyramid event was the only event in which the Lions lost. Although still leading after the third category of the event, the Lions lead was only .950. The third heat of the Pyramid event was nearly flawless as the home team earned a perfect 10.000 and the Lions scored a 9.950. Saint Leo led 93.500 to 92.550 after the third category of the day.

Keeping up with the theme of the meet, Saint Leo won the Toss category by a slim .800 margin. The Lions posted an 9.100 in the first heat followed by an 8.900 in the second heat and the third heat had the best score of the event for the both teams with a 9.400. Saint Leo's lead grew as it led 120.900 to 119.150 heading into the tumbling event.

The tumbling event saw scores range from 9.825 by the visitors to 7.050 by the home team. The final heat of the event earned a 9.825 score, the seventh score of 9.500 or greater. Saint Leo won the event 53.025 to 50.375 to give the Lions a 173.925 to 169.525 lead heading into the team event.  

Saint Leo claimed the team event 85.700 to 84.580. Saint Leo won the meet 259.625 to 254.105 to complete the season sweep of the Blue Hoes.  

UP NEXT
Saint Leo's road trip to end the season continues with a trip west to Texas next weekend. The Lions will take on top-ranked Baylor on Saturday, March 29. The meet against the Bears is scheduled for 6 p.m. eastern time start.