Tempe, Ariz. – Stunt season officially got underway with Hope International playing four games at Arizona State in their annual Dual with the Devils Tournament last weekend.
In the opening game of the tournament, the Royals opened conference play against Arizona Christian. The Royals shut out the Firestorm with a perfect 24-0 game. Power Players were Meela Ly with 52 power points, Sophia Rosendale with 44, Giselle Baeza and Andra Brenneman with 41 each, and Addison Drummond with 29. Highlight rounds of the game were in both quarter 1 and quarter 2 with the Royals playing and scoring on level 7 unopposed and winning the point. Lifetime record against the Firestorm is now 10-0. This win also marked the 75th win in program history.
Game 2 of Day 1 ended with a match against Division 1 UC Davis. The Aggies were able to secure two points in quarter 3 with a score of 2 on JT 4 leading to the first within 2 points. They scored again on JT4 in the 4th quarter but on the one point receiving end of the new within 2 rule. The Royals won the game 25-3. The Royals are now 8-0 all-time against the Aggies. Highlight of game 2 was scoring unopposed on Pyramid 8. Power players for game 2 were Sophia Rosendale with 77 power points, Meela Ly with 69, Giselle Baeza and Andra Brenneman each with 63, and Sophia Gonzalez with 55.
Day 2 started with another GSAC conference play in a modified game against first year team Park Gilbert. The Royals played another perfect game with a 12-0 end result. Power players for game #3 were Meela Ly with 11 power points, Jamisen Chacon and Mia Klock with 10 each and Samantha Cohen and Cynthia Martinez both receiving 9 . Highlight of this game was numerous rookies making their collegiate playing debut.
Ending out the tournament was the highly anticipated matchup between the Royals and Division 1 Arizona State. These matchups are always intense with our friendly rivalry. In 2022, the first game against ASU secured our first program win in history. Proving to be a competitive game, the first round of quarter 1 resulted in a within 2 partner stunt 3. Several ties and within 2 scores were given throughout the game with the Royals being victorious with a score of 31-12. Highlight of the game was scoring unopposed on partner stunt 8. Power players for game #4 were Sophia Rosendale with 95 power points, Addison Drummond with 69, and Mackenzie Flowers, Ivy Martinez and Claire Zenisek with 64 each. The Royals are now 4-1 all-time against the Sun Devils.
Next up, the Royals take on Trevecca Nazarene from Tennessee on February 5 at CUI.
