SIOUX CENTER, Iowa – Concordia University, Competitive Cheer will chalk it up as a learning experience. The Bulldogs placed eighth out of 10 teams at the Dordt Invitational in Sioux Center, Iowa, on Saturday (Feb. 22). Concordia posted a score of 63.43 and defeated York University and Waldorf University. The competition featured NAIA teams exclusively and included seven GPAC squads.
The event marked the third-straight Saturday that Head Coach Emilie Ashenbach’s squad has been in action. The Bulldogs had hoped for better results after earning two scores greater than 75 at the MidAmerica Nazarene Duals.
“Today’s result may not have been what we wanted, but we are proud of the resilience and hear our team displayed,” Ashenbach said. “Every challenge is an opportunity to grow, and we’ll use this as fuel to push forward. The journey continues, and we’re committed to coming back stronger than ever.”
Concordia put nine individuals on the mat at De Witt Gymnasium (as shown below). The competition roster has remained largely the same since the 2025 season began at the Concordia Invitational Tournament. The team’s highest score was a 77.15 achieved at last week’s MNU Duals in Olathe, Kan.
Dordt Invite Competition Roster
· LaCole Anno (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Riley Bennett (Louisville, Neb.)
· Mikah Culler (Grand Island, Neb.)
· Avery Holmberg (Maize, Kan.)
· Bri Hoyle (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Lexi Mack (Wilber, Neb.)
· Lauryn Stanley (Big Springs, Neb.)
· Mya Stover (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Rhiannon Van Osdel (Fremont, Neb.)
· Alternate: Ara Maxwell (Lincoln, Neb.)
2025 Competitions
Jan. 25 – Placed 2nd at CIT
Feb. 7 – Placed 7th/16 (69.97) at York Crown Classic
Feb. 8 – Won vs. Waldorf (76.2); won vs. Mount Mercy (76.8)
Feb. 15 – Lost vs. MidAmerica Nazarene (75.47); won vs. Benedictine (77.15); placed 5th overall (152.62)
Feb. 22 – Placed 8th/10 (63.43) at Dordt Invite
The Bulldogs will now have two weeks to prepare for the 2025 GPAC Cheer & Dance Championships. Concordia will host the event for the first time while welcoming league members to Friedrich Arena on March 7-8. As part of the championship weekend, dance will unfold on day one with cheer to follow on day two.