ERIE, Pa.  – The Mercyhurst STUNT team hosted Ashland today for their home opener. This is the fifth matchup between the two in the past three years. The Lakers led at the half and earned a point in every round in the process. However, the Eagles came back and narrowly edged the Lakers, 24-23. 
 
Mercyhurst began the evening with a two-point win in round one of the partner stunts quarter. They won a point in each round of the quarter and led, 4-2. The Eagles responded with a commanding pyramids and tosses quarter. They earned two points in three of the four rounds. The Lakers won a point in each round and were ahead at the half, 9-8. 
 
The jumps and tumbling quarter proved to be difficult for Mercyhurst. Ashland won a point in every round and took their first lead of the night, 12-11. Quarter four was nothing short of chaotic. Points were shared back-and-forth and Mercyhurst lost a challenge in the second round. Ashland kept doing just enough to maintain their lead. Heading into the final round, the Eagles wisely selected a routine that required both teams to forfeit as the score ended up a 24-23 heartbreaker for Mercyhurst. 
 
The Lakers will hit the road for their next set of games. They will head to Michigan for the Scots Tournament for four games beginning Saturday, Feb. 28.