SIOUX CENTER, Iowa – A young Concordia University, Nebraska Competitive Cheer team made its 2026 season debut on Saturday (Jan. 24) and emerged from the Dordt Invitational with an eighth-place finish. The Bulldogs earned a score of 51.8 in action that took place inside De Witt Gymnasium in Sioux Center, Iowa. The team’s six-member routine was made up exclusively of freshmen and sophomores who experienced their first ever collegiate competition.
The outing on Saturday was a starting point for Head Coach Emilie Ashenbach’s squad. Ashenbach was pleased with the team’s attitude and energy.
“While we didn’t hit every skill the way we’re capable of, the performance factor was outstanding,” Ashenbach said. “The energy, confidence and composure these athletes brought to the floor was undeniable. They absolutely slayed the performance side of the routine.”
Dordt Invite Competition Roster
· Ella Bradley (De Soto, Mo.)
· Sarah Felten (Sterling Heights, Mich.)
· Karmen Fitch (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Katie Merten (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Adelyn Opp (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Brinkly Sallach (Red Oak, Iowa)
· Sophie Schneider (Wichita, Kan.)
The Dordt Invite included conference rivals such as Northwestern (83.95), Doane (83.9), Dordt (74.55), Mount Marty (64.27) and Waldorf (53.58). The field also featured Mount Mercy (63.25) and York (51.88).
The Bulldogs believe that their young crew of freshmen and sophomores will grow with each competition. Added Ashenbach, “I couldn’t be more proud of what they executed under pressure. The mindset of this group of seven is special – resilient, locked in and united. It’s the kind of mentality coaches dream of, and it showed today in the way they supported one another and performed with heart from start to finish.”
Up next for the Bulldog cheer and dance squads will be the Kansas Wesleyan Invite this coming Friday. The invite is scheduled to get underway at 4:30 p.m. CT from Mabee Arena in Salina, Kan. A live stream can be watched via Urban Edge Network.