LEXINGTON, Ky. – The inaugural season of the University of Tennessee at Martin STUNT program came to a close today as the Skyhawks fell one game shy of playing for a national championship in a 23-2 decision to Kentucky.
Fresh off its first postseason victory in school history less than 24 hours before, UT Martin comes home with a third-place finish in the 2024 Division I National Championship event. California Baptist won its fourth consecutive national championship while the host Wildcats finished as national runner-up for the second straight season.
Kentucky claimed a 4-0 lead after the first quarter (partner stunts) before the Skyhawks got on the scoreboard with one point in the second quarter (pyramids and tosses). The Wildcats nabbed all four points in the third quarter (jumps and tumbling) but UT Martin still had a shot going into the fourth quarter, which focuses on team routine and awards 12 points. The Skyhawks were able to secure another point in the final round but ultimately Kentucky was able to advance to the national finals.
The trio of Emily Hartley, Kaity Mistretta and Ashley Myles led UT Martin with two points apiece. Hartley also guided the Skyhawks with 19 rounds played today while UT Martin received significant contributions from Natalie King (16 rounds), Myles (16), Jade Reed (16) and Emily Wood (15).
The Skyhawks wrap up the 2024 campaign with a 5-8 record in their first official season of competition under head coach Amber Minton.
