SEWARD, Neb. – The 2025 competition season is officially underway for Concordia University, Nebraska Competitive Dance. The Bulldogs got things started on Saturday (Jan. 18) as part of a home basketball doubleheader and earned a victory over GPAC rival College of Saint Mary. Concordia achieved a score of 80.9 compared to a 72.7 for the Flames. A squad led by returning All-Americans in sophomore Hanna Bitner and junior Taylor Larsen was pegged fourth in the GPAC preseason poll.
Head Coach Mandi Maser enters her ninth season leading the program. The outing on Saturday provided a baseline for a group with high aspirations for this winter.
“Glad to come away from the first competition with a win,” Maser said. “We do have a lot of work to do to make sure we stay on track for a national bid. We need to focus on consistency, confidence and technique execution. Hanna Bitner stood out today and had a great performance. We are looking forward to an exciting season and would love to see all of Bulldog National continue to cheer us on.”
The 80.9 score for Concordia compares closely to the team’s 2024 average of 80.57, which ranked 10th best among all NAIA dance teams. The returners from last season’s GPAC Championships roster include Bitner and Larsen in addition to junior Elise O’Neill and sophomore Kaylee Powell. There were three freshmen who made their collegiate competition debuts in the dual: Brynley Cooper, Bianca Romshek and Jozlin Schmidt.
Saturday (1/18) Competition Roster:
· Hanna Bitner (Valentine, Neb.)
· Brynley Cooper (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Taylor Larsen (Ravenna, Neb.)
· Elise O’Neill (North Platte, Neb.)
· Kaylee Powell (Central City, Neb.)
· Bianca Romshek (Bellwood, Neb.)
· Jozlin Schmidt (Bentonville, Ark.)
· Alternate: Alexis Carlen (Staunton, Ill.)
The next home appearance is scheduled for Feb. 8 when Bulldog Cheer and Dance will host the Concordia Day of Duals. For a closer look at the 2025 dance team, check out our season preview linked HERE.
Next up will be the Concordia Invitational Tournament for both the dance and cheer programs. The competitions are slated to take place at Concordia University Ann Arbor on the morning of Jan. 25. For more details on CIT, click HERE.