NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Saint Mary's College STUNT defeated Centenary College (LA) in the first round of STUNT Nationals on Thursday, 16-3. The Belles improve to 11-12 on the season while the Ladies fall to 8-10.
 
Saint Mary's got out to an early and dominating lead as they took a win in all four rounds of the first quarter to get out to an early 4-0 lead. Centenary battled back to split a point in the first round of quarter two but the Belles had other plans. They went on to win the next three rounds of the quarter to go into the halftime break with an impressive 8-1 lead.
 
The Belles' domination surged in the second half as they took all three rounds of the jumps and tumbling quarter. While the Ladies forfeited in the final round, the Belles showed their strength in jumps and tumbling to get out to a 12-1 lead. In the fourth quarter, Saint Mary's continued their strong afternoon. They took points in all three routines, earning two points in partner stunts and splitting a point later on, as they extended their lead to 16-3. The game would be called after the round due to mercy rule, giving the Belles a win in their first game and advancing to the quarter finals.
 
Junior Erin Monnier (Indianapolis, IN) led the team the entire day as she competed in every single round and routine. Sophomores Miley Smith (Noblesville, IN) and Haley Pieroni (Littleton, CO) followed closely as they each competed in 14 of 15 total rounds.
 
UP NEXT FOR THE BELLES
Saint Mary's will face rival George Fox University in the quarter finals on Friday, April 24. The match is scheduled to start at 4:45pm EST.