Eagle STUNT downs Hiram College, 22-3, in conference championship
The GMAC hosts first STUNT championship in conference history
The Eagle STUNT team throws up a trick in the conference tournament.
April 1, 2023
In their first season in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (GMAC) the Ashland University STUNT team has found itself atop the conference throne.
On Saturday, April 1, the Eagles went toe-to-toe against the Hiram College Terriers, and ultimately downed them in dominating fashion, 22-3, en route to hoisting a conference title.
“One of my favorite parts of coaching is watching my ladies be successful in all that they do, so the championship for me was extremely emotional for me and the rest of our coaching staff,” said Head Coach Denise Farnsworth.
The championship weekend started on Friday, March 31, where the Eagles kicked off the semi-final round against the Ursuline Arrows. Against the Arrows, there were little signs of struggle for the Eagles as they completed a shutout 22-0 win.
That win would be the team’s third time shutting out an opponent this season, with all three coming in the last five contests.
The Eagles’ win in the semi-final round, secured the team a birth in the conference championship game against the Hiram College Terriers. In order to get to the championship, the Terriers took down the Tiffin Dragons 19-3.
With both team’s coming off of blowout wins to start the tournament, the championship game was looking to be a good one.
Prior to the two sides meeting up in the title game, the Eagles had the season series lead, 2-0. On Feb. 19, the Eagles downed the Terriers 17-11, before taking them down once again on March 18, 24-9. That 24-9 victory would be the Eagles’ first perfect game in program history.
Looking to sweep the season series against the Terriers, the Eagles headed into Saturday’s championship game with confidence.
To start the game, the Eagles had little to worry about as they grabbed the opening points with ease. Heading into halftime with a 7-1 lead, the Eagles had a cushion in case of a Terrier comeback. Fortunately for them, that cushion wouldn’t be needed as the Terriers scored just two more points, while the Eagles found 15 more.
The final score saw the Eagles win 22-3, that being their fifth straight game with over 20 points scored. The win also moves the team’s record to 13-4 on the season.
“They have put in the work to be the best in our State and that deserves to be celebrated,” said Farnsworth.
They were led by Great Midwest Athletic Conference Player of the Year flyer Lily Boldman, and flyer Alyssa McLaughlin who put up 55 points a piece. Alongside Boldman and McLaughlin, flyer Kylie Adams was able to surpass the 50-point mark, scoring 52.
With the team’s first conference title securely kept in Ashland, Ohio, they now gear up for the D-II national championship tournament at the University of Texas at Dallas on April 27. The championship tournament runs from the 27 through the 29.
“Our mindset is locked in, ready to go. We are ready to show everyone that the eagles deserve to be there because we have earned our spot,” said base Shila Hartzler. “We’re all just so grateful for the opportunity and we just wanna show up and show out on the big stage. Really cool to represent the state of OH, and Ashland University.”
