Pittsburgh, Pa. – Duquesne acrobatics & tumbling student-athletes Carly Longenecker, Caileigh Kertis and Alia Ellis all earned weekly honorable mention recognition from the National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association (NCATA) following the Dukes' season-opening victory over West Liberty.

NCATA RELEASE

Each member of the trio competed in Duquesne's five-element acro heat, scoring 9.90 — the highest heat score in Dukes history — and helped power the Dukes' to record-setting performances across acro, pyramid, and toss events.

Longenecker was named Honorable Mention Athlete of the Week after topping the program-record 9.90 in five-element acro. The sophomore executed the E-difficulty 2-2 press handstand and contributed to a synchronized pyramid that debuted a 10.0 start value and scored a 9.70. She competed in six heats overall and stepped into the team event due to injury, successfully completing multiple tumbling passes.

Kertis garnered Honorable Mention Freshman of the Week honors in her collegiate debut, competing in eight heats and helping set four program highs. The Springfield, Pa., native was a base in five-element acro, posting a near-perfect 9.90, and contributed to Duquesne's program-record 26.75 toss total, including a 0.30 improvement in synchronized toss — the largest increase among nine program records set in the victory. She also helped set program highs in inversion pyramid (9.75) and compulsory toss (9.75).

Ellis was tabbed Honorable Mention Specialist of the Week after competing in nine heats. The junior base helped lead all three pyramid events, contributing to a 28.70 out of 30 total and posting a program-record 9.75 in inversion pyramid. She also scored 9.75 in compulsory pyramid and was part of four program highs (five-element acro, compulsory toss, synchronized toss, and inversion pyramid).

The No. 7 Dukes return to action Friday at No. 9 Gannon. The meet is scheduled for 7 p.m.

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ABOUT ACROBATICS & TUMBLING
Created in 2009, Acrobatics & Tumbling is the evolution of multiple gymnastics disciplines, incorporating the athletic elements of competitive cheerleading. The sport is sponsored by 52 NCAA varsity programs, with 47 teams competing this spring and more than 1,300 student-athletes nationwide. In January, Acrobatics & Tumbling was officially elevated from an NCAA Emerging Sport to an NCAA Championship Sport and will debut its first National Collegiate Championship in spring 2027. For more information, visit TheNCATA.org.