IRVINE, Calif. – For the first time in program history, Fresno Pacific Stunt took to the mat for their season opener against Northwest Nazarene University and Concordia University Irvine. The Sunbirds had a thrilling collegiate debut, knocking the Nighthawks back with a final score of 21-18 and challenging the Golden Eagles 5-27 on Wednesday evening.

Stunt is broken down into four quarters of competition that consists of multiple rounds of pre-choreographed routines. Both teams go head-to-head on the competition floor performing these routines side by side for the judging panel. Quarter one is Partner Stunts, the second quarter is Pyramids and Tosses, the third is Jumps and Tumbling, and the fourth is a combination of all the three previous quarters, Team Routine. Since the fourth quarter is a combined routine with three segments, the points are awarded for each category. Teams can score up to six points per round depending on how well they perform each segment.

GAME 1 | FPU 21, NNU 18
Fresno Pacific earned its first point of the match during the second chosen routine, recovering from an initial stumble. The Sunbirds wrapped up the first quarter following a point behind the Nighthawks, 3-4. Soon after, the 'Birds dominated in Pyramids and Tosses, capturing point after point. Despite a valiant attempt by NNU, routine three was the Sunbirds' bread and butter as the team finally captured the lead 7-6 going into the half.

In the third quarter, Northwest Nazarene might have taken the first point, but Fresno Pacific soared in the second routine of Jumps and Tumbling, tying the score 8-8. The Blue and Orange recaptured the lead and never looked back, somersaulting past the Nighthawks with a score of 12-10. When it finally came down to the Team Routine, the Blue and Orange left it all on the mat. The 'Birds captured nine total points, stealing the show and winning every single point in the last head-to-head routine of the segment.

Under first-year head coach Alyssa Troutt's leadership, Fresno Pacific collected its first collegiate win in program history!

"Beyond proud of these young women for earning their first win," said Alyssa. "They stepped onto the mat with courage, unity, and purpose, and I'm reminded that God is so faithful in every beginning. I'm truly blessed to coach such amazing athletes—giving Him all the glory as this journey is only getting started."
 
MATCH 2 | FPU 5, CUI 27
The Golden Eagles, ranked third in the college stunt preseason poll, proved to be quite the competition for the 'Birds. Concordia swept up all four points in Partner Stunts, but Fresno Pacific made its comeback in the last part of Jumps and Tumbling, securing a point to make it 1-8.

Coming out of the half, the Sunbirds struggled in Jumps and Tumbling, earning a sole point alongside the Golden Eagles to make it 3-12. CUI managed to capture a few more points to extend their lead 3-14 by the end of the quarter. Concordia continued its dominance for the remainder of the game. The Sunbirds ended their first day of competition with a total of two points in the Team Routine, completing the match 5-27 overall.

NEXT UP: The 'Birds will compete in the Royal Rumble from February 6-7. Friday's first match will be against Park University at 2 pm, followed by tournament host Hope International at 7 pm. On Saturday, FPU takes on Trevecca Nazarene at 4 pm and Arizona Christian at 6 pm.
 
SUNBIRD SOCIAL  

• X - @fpusunbirds  
• Instagram - @fpusunbirds  
• Facebook - /FPUsunbirds