ANGOLA, Ind. -- Kutztown University acrobatics & tumbling held a late lead in Saturday's meet at Trine University, but the Golden Bears had to forego the team event, allowing the Thunder to capture a 218.870-142.200 victory.

The two teams were evenly matched, with scores tight throughout.

Trine (2-3) took an early lead, 30.40-26.65, after the compulsory event on the strength of a 9.35 in the pyramid heat and an 8.75 in the toss heat. KU's highest score came in the toss heat where they equaled the Thunder with an 8.75 score.

Kutztown closed the deficit by almost two full points in the acro event, finishing strong with Tiffani Lincoln (Oneonta, N.Y./Oneonta), Natalie Harkins (Bensalem, Pa./Bensalem), Isabella Columba (Easton, Pa./Easton), Samaiyah Wright-McBride (Lancaster, Pa./J.P. McCaskey) and Savannah Paige (Palmyra, Pa./Hershey) recording an 8.80 out of a 9.70 in the 7-element heat.

The Golden Bears (2-2) edged in front 76.45-76.20 by halftime with a strong pyramid event --one of its best events so far this season. Saturday, KU posted a 9.10 of 9.80 in the inversion heat to lead off the event and a 9.20 of 9.70 in the open heat to close.

Kutztown added to its lead, slightly, in both the toss and tumbling events. An 8.55 score in the open heat of the toss event helped the visitors outscore Trine by 1.80 points in the event for a 2.05 lead overall, 100.50-98.45.

The tumbling event did little to create separation, too, with the Maroon and Gold bettering the Thunder by 0.200 after the six heats. Lincoln boosted the Bears with an 8.625 of a possible 8.90 in the 6-element pass and Allison Fernandez (Westfield, N.J./Westfield) finished the event with a strong 8.225 of 8.50 in the open pass.

Without its full complement of athletes, the Golden Bears were unable to go head-to-head with Trine in the team event. The Thunder earned 78.92 of a possible 92.87 points to erase KU's slim lead and pick up the win.

Kutztown will return to Keystone Arena in two weeks to face Gannon on Saturday, April 2, at 3 p.m.