LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Tennessee at Martin STUNT team advanced to the final day of the Division I National Championship tournament courtesy of a victory over Central Arkansas this afternoon at the Clive M. Beck Center.
After falling 24-0 to Kentucky earlier in the day, the Skyhawks turned right back around and claimed a commanding 19-6 triumph over Central Arkansas in an elimination game. UT Martin (5-7) will once again take on the Wildcats tomorrow at 11 a.m. CT for a chance to play three-time defending national champion California Baptist in the championship finals.
The event host Kentucky was able to secure all four points in the first quarter (partner stunts), the second quarter (pyramids and tosses) and third quarter (jumps and tumbling). In the team routine fourth quarter, the Wildcats managed all 12 points to advance in the bracket. Emily Hartley played a team-high 20 rounds for the Skyhawks and was followed closely behind by Jade Reed (19) and Natalie King (18).
UT Martin bounced back in a big way with its third victory over the Bears this spring. The Skyhawks held a 3-2 advantage after the partner stunts first quarter while extending their lead out to 7-3 at halftime after a 4-1 edge in the pyramids and tosses second quarter. UT Martin swept the jumps and tumbling third quarter (4-0) before outscoring Central Arkansas by an 8-3 margin in the final quarter (team routine).
Hartley topped the Skyhawks in scoring for the seventh time this season with 17 points against the Bears. Reed and King followed with 14 points apiece to lead UT Martin to its historic victory.
