YORK, Neb. – In the kickoff to a weekend of significance, the Concordia University Competitive Cheer team showed it could compete with NAIA competition from near and far. When the dust settled on Friday (Feb. 9)’s York Invitational held at the Freeman Center, the Bulldogs placed third out of 14 NAIA squads with a score of 75.02.
This marked the third competition of the season for Head Coach Emilie Ashenbach’s squad. Concordia is striving to hit scores in the 80s, but the performance on Friday was a solid one in the eyes of Ashenbach.
“We had some missteps today, but I’m still very proud of how they performed,” Ashenbach said. “I’m looking forward to tomorrow and tomorrow’s a new day. They’re going to put out the best possible routine they can, and that’s all I’m asking from them. York had a very fun environment. We’re still coming after those (scores in the) 80s.”
For comparison, the Bulldogs opened this 2024 season with a score of 83.30 as part of a home dual win over Hastings. CUNE proceeded to place second at the Concordia Invitational Tournament. That first score gave the Bulldogs an NAIA national ranking of 10th coming into this weekend. The 10 athletes that represented Concordia in York are listed below.
Friday competition roster:
· LaCole Anno (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Kaitlyn Foley (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Bri Hoyle (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Kaylnn Jeardoe (Beatrice, Neb.)
· Lexi Mack (Wilber, Neb.)
· Ara Maxwell (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Bre Romero (Elmwood, Neb.)
· Lauryn Stanley (Big Spring, Neb.)
· Mya Stover (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Shelby Timmerman (Clatonia, Neb.)
The Bulldogs will quickly turn around and host the Concordia Cheer & Dance Day of Duals on Saturday. The action will get started at 10 a.m. CT from Friedrich Arena. The largescale competition will feature 15 cheer and 15 dance squads from around the NAIA. More information about the event can be found HERE.
2024 competition results
1/20 – 83.30 (dual vs. Hastings)
1/27 – Placed 2nd at CIT
2/9 – 75.02 (3rd out of 14)