NEWARK, Del. – The Davenport cheer team traveled to the University of Delaware this past weekend to participate in the largest STUNT tournament in the sport's history. Teams in attendance were the host University of Delaware (D1), St. Joseph University (D1), Rider University (D1), Liberty University (D1), Michigan State University (D1), and Davenport University (D2).
 
The Panthers were slated to play four games and were the lone representatives for the Division 2 STUNT teams.
 
Game 1 vs. Liberty
Result: Win, 18-1
The Lady Panthers started the day strong with a win against Liberty University.
 
Game 2 vs. Delaware
Result: Loss, 9-16
A very intense and most exciting game of the season featured the top-ranked Panthers out of D2 against the top-ranked Blue Hens out of D1. It was a neck and neck race as we entered halftime only one point behind the Blue Hens. With this level of competition brought high pressure to the game, and only slight differences separated the winning and losing routine. Delaware was able to continue their lead in the fourth Quarter ending the game with a 16-9 score and hand the Panthers their first loss of the season.
 
Game 3 vs. Rider
Result: Win, 21-0
Heading into the Panthers last two games of the day, the Panthers focus was to compete the high difficulty routines. That played in the Panthers favor.
 
Game 4 vs. St. Joseph
Result: Win, 21-2
Davenport ended the day strong with another win against St. Joseph University.
 
Post-Competition Quotes:
 
Head coach Rachel Payne: "Our goal going into these games was to focus on our jumps and tumbling routines. The girls' hard work paid off and we did not lose a single Quarter 2 (baskets and mounts) or Quarter 3 (jumps and tumbling). Now we will shift our focus to NCA material as we leave for nationals in a few short weeks. Regardless if we are competing in STUNT games or NCA, the girls' level of passion for this sport never ceases to amaze me. We are also very thankful for the number of DU fans that made the trip to Delaware this weekend!"
 
Assistant Coach Celia Hames: "We are so thankful to have been able to make the trip to Delaware and compete against Delaware and other D1 teams. This experience will be an incredible benefit if we advance to the STUNT National tournament. The teams at Nationals will provide the same level of intensity and competition as we witnessed this past weekend!"
 
Cheer/Dance Contact: David Gerhart | 616-554-5045 | dgerhart@davenport.edu
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