STUNT | 5/6/2019 9:41:00 AM

NORMAN, Okla. - The Davenport University STUNT team reached familiar territory over the weekend as they won the Division II/III and Varsity national championships at the Lloyd Noble Center on the campus of the University of Oklahoma.

Game 1
Davenport #1 vs Vanguard University #4
21 - 2
A perfect game for the Panthers against newcomers to the National Tournament, Vanguard. This win sent the Panthers to the next round of play against the winner of Oklahoma Baptist University #2 vs Alma College #3.

Game 2
Davenport #1 vs Alma #3
15-14
A hard fought battle for the Panthers against Michigan rival the Alma Scots. The Panthers gained a small lead in Quarter 1 - Partner Stunts, but the Scots fought back hard in Quarter 2 - Pyramids and Tosses. Heading into halftime score was tied 6 - 6. Quarter 3 - Jumps and Tumbling made up the difference by posting all four points for DU. The score was now 10 - 7 going into the final Quarter - Combination Round. The Scots tried to fight back, but the Panthers hold onto their lead ending the game with a one-point differential. This win catapulted DU directly to the Final Round of the National Championship. The Panthers would face the winner of Oklahoma Baptist #2 (won against Vanguard University #4) and Alma College #3.

Game 3 - National Championship
Davenport #1 vs Alma #3
17 - 7
"Going into the Championship, our goal was to execute our perfect game and to take everything one point at a time. STUNT is such a mentally demanding sport and it requires every ounce of focus. One quarter, one routine, one count at a time; being in the moment," said head coach Celia Allen-Hames.

Quarter 1 - Partner Stunts was a solid round for both teams. The Panthers were able to gain a point to separate themselves with a score of 3 - 2 going into Quarter 2 - Pyramids and Tosses. The two teams put up three points in that Quarter. The Panthers made some small changes to allow for a strong showing going toe-to-toe with our opponent. DU led 6 - 5 at halftime. Another STRONG Quarter 3 - Jumps and Tumble for the Panthers. DU swept this Quarter! Heading into the Quarter 4 - Combination Round the Panthers are up 10 - 5. A strong lead but anything can happen in a STUNT game. The Panthers kept this lead and extended it in the last and final Quarter of the National Championship posting seven out of the nine points to Alma's two points. The final score, 17 - 7. And Your 2019 STUNT Division II/III National Champions, Davenport University!

Game 4 - Varsity National Championship
Oklahoma State University #1 Division 1 - Davenport University #1 Division II/III
17-12
"This is the second year of the Varsity National Championship. It sets the top two Varsity mandated teams against one another! This year it was the five-time National Champions from DU against the six-time National Champions from OSU in their respective divisions," said Allen-Hames.

Quarter 1 - Partner Stunts, the Panthers posted all four points to get off to a great start. Quarter 2 - Pyramids and Tosses, both teams showcased their strength and execution as the Panthers received all four points and the Cowgirls received three points. Halftime: 8 - 4. The Cowgirls are known for their strength in all areas, specifically in Jumps and Tumble. The Panthers held their own posting three points to OSU's four. Quarter 4 - Combination Round was played in the Panthers favor ending the game with a score of 17 - 12. Your 2019 Varsity STUNT National Champions, the Panthers from Davenport University!


 

"Words can't express how proud we are of these Panthers. They invested in the process, trusted the journey, believed in their training, and never backed down from a challenge. The love they have for each other and the passion they have for this sport is evident in a game! It's an incredible moment as a coach when you're able to step back and see how hard a team's work has paid off. We are excited to be able to bring home two National Championships for Davenport University and end our season 14-0!," said Allen-Hames.

"There are no words for how proud us coaches are. The girls remained united and fought for one another and each individual element of the routine. We couldn't have asked for more. It is so humbling to walk away with two national championships against two incredible opponents who made us better and made us fight harder. None of this could of been possible without our girls believing in their purpose and diving into the opportunity presented to them with full confidence in one of another. It's always a great day to coach the Davenport Panthers because of why we play and who we play for." said assistant coach McKenzie Jackson.

  

story contribution and photo courtesy of Celia Allen-Hames