Pittsburgh, Pa. – The Duquesne University acrobatics & tumbling team has earned a historic berth to the 2026 National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association (NCATA) National Championships, set for next week in Azusa, California.

NCATA RELEASE

The Dukes, ranked No. 9 in the final regular-season poll, used a program-record 263.400 score in their regular-season finale to move into the No. 8 spot and secure the final bid to the national championship field.

Led by head coach Michaela Soper, Duquesne reaches the national stage in just its second season of competition, marking a significant milestone for the young program. The Dukes were the youngest team in the national rankings throughout the season and remained ranked in the top 10 all year.

Duquesne navigated a challenging schedule that featured four top-10 matchups, including three on the road, and finished with a 3-3 overall record. The Dukes were a perfect 3-0 at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse.

Highlighting the season was a victory over then-No. 10 Azusa Pacific. Duquesne also surpassed the 260 mark twice, posting a 260.595 score at No. 6 Fairmont State before setting the program record with a 263.400 in the regular-season finale against La Salle. The Dukes finished the season with a 257.912 average meet score, with their final performance significantly boosting their adjusted average to clinch the championship berth.

The NCATA Championships Committee evaluates teams based on several criteria, including win-loss record, strength of schedule, head-to-head results, results versus common opponents, adjusted average meet score, adjusted average start value, adjusted score differential, and progression throughout the season.

Duquesne will face No. 1 Baylor in the NCATA Quarterfinals on Thursday, April 23, at 10:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. PT).

At the championships, the Dukes will also have the opportunity to qualify for Individual Event Finals. Additional information will be included in the championship preview.

FOLLOW THE DUKES
Follow the Duquesne Acrobatics and Tumbling team all season online at GoDuquesne.com and on Twitter (X) and Instagram (@duqacrotumb).

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.