By Caroline Lindstrom
Reporter

The Baylor acrobatics and tumbling team will defend its win against Azusa Pacific University on senior night in the last home meet of the season at 6:30 p.m. in the Ferrell Center in Waco.

“Most of these girls were on the inaugural team that was here for the induction of the sport, so it will be bittersweet to compete the last time for their fans at home,” head coach LaPrise Harris-Williams said.

Harris-Williams said this meet is exciting for the seven remaining seniors on the team, who have seen the skills and sport itself evolve over the years.

“It will be a memorable night for the seniors because we have already beat APU, and beating them at home will be the icing on the cake,” senior Lynn Herbst said.

Herbst said Azusa Pacific is one of the top competitors in the sport and the meet will not be a breeze for the Bears. Harris-Williams said the Bears have been perfecting their skills since the win four weeks ago. Freshman Kiara Nowlin said the team made changes to improve its routine to secure another win before nationals.

“This will be a very challenging meet because both teams have had time now to go and perfect skills that are best for us,” Harris-Williams said. “I feel like both of us are at the climax and top of our game, so it is going to come down to the little things to better our standings at nationals.”

Harris-Williams said having a home meet helps the team relax in its own element. The women will not have to worry about traveling or jet lag and will stick to their normal routine.

“At other meets we barely have a crowd, so I am excited to get out in the Ferrell Center and experience the home crowd one more time,” Nowiln said.

Herbst said the meet on Saturday will serve as a practice run for the team as it heads to the national championships in two weeks.

“Any chance we get to compete against a team that will be at nationals helps us prepare us, and especially this meet because it is the last meet before nationals,” Nowlin said.