The Concordia University Irvine STUNT team welcomed the Vanguard University Lions to the CU Arena Wednesday night. The Eagles were looking for their third win of the season as the Eagles were fired up at the beginning of the match. Any time that the Eagles and Lions square off, the matches always come down to the final point where Wednesday was no different.

Senior Kayce De Leon said, "Regardless of the outcome, my last time being on the mat felt good. That moment will always be something to cherish. I'm so proud of my teammates for putting in the work to get to this point."

Both teams came out hot to start as there were little to no errors coming from both sides. VU outlast CUI in the first quarter having the early two point advantage leading by the score of 3-1.

As the Eagles were looking to get back in this match, first year head coach Karli Shutt had some tricks up her sleeve calling the higher of the levels in the second quarter. In the first two stunts, the Eagles were able to sneak back in taking the first two points away from Vanguard. Head coach of the Lions, Leslie Allen challenged one of the stunts by the green and gold to hopefully keep the Eagles from tying the game at three a-piece. Her challenge was unsuccessful and the Eagles were able to tie things up. Standout performances by the bases and back spots Devan Doyle, Ashton Mudry, Madison Gentry, Ryan McDermott, and Avery Wagner for the Eagles were crucial in tying this game up. CUI challenged a stunt by VU on a level four stunt. Their challenge was unsuccessful. At halftime the Eagles were down only one point to the Lions.

Senior back spot, Wagner said, "We started off with a couple mistakes but overall came back with so much energy! I am so proud of my team regardless of the score."

In quarter three, both teams came out the gate with a ton of energy as the Eagles were looking to erase the one point differential. The Lions had the early advantage going up 6-4 early. Level six was called by Shutt as this is a comfortable level to call with the junior transfer Carmen Karg sticking her full. Standout performances by Jaylene Santos, Savannah Schalip, and Joanna Rivers helped the Eagles whittle down Vanguard's lead. Concordia tied the match 6-6 at the end of the third quarter.

"I couldn't be more proud of my team for pushing through and fighting until the very end," added senior Jaylene Santos. "Senior night was definitely a bittersweet moment, but we have no regrets and we can't wait to go to NorCal and finish what we started."

In quarter four the Eagles and Lions were all knotted up at six a-piece. Quarter four is different compared to the others in that it is combined with all three quarters routines. Level two was called by Vanguard and both teams were strong out the gate yet again. It looked like Vanguard was starting to pull away late having the 12-8 lead but a late successful challenge by Shutt of Concordia brought the Eagles back in this game. Vanguard had an 11-9 lead on the Eagles going into the final routine in quarter four. The green and gold needed to get all three points and could only afford to tie once with Vanguard to tie and force overtime. CUI was able to nab all three points but tied with Vanguard twice and Vanguard snuck away with a final point victory. The Eagles dropped the match 13-12 to Vanguard in a tough loss on senior night.

Senior Kayce De Leon said, "Regardless of the outcome, my last time being on the mat felt good. That moment will always be something to cherish. I'm so proud of my teammates for putting in the work to get to this point."

The Eagles will be on the road for their season finale taking on Cal Baptist, Vanguard and William Jessup Friday and Saturday, Mar. 26-27.