Cheer competes at Viking Classic, Grand View Invitational

DES MOINES, Iowa -- The Mount Mercy competitive cheer squad opened the season with a pair of events at Sisam Arena on Sunday, the Viking Classic and the Grand View Invitational.

The Mustangs finished sixth in the Viking Classic with a score of 67.48. St. Ambrose posted a score of 91.98 to win the event. The Bees were followed by Xavier (87.74), Midland (82.41), Baker (68.36), Grand View (67.94), Mount Mercy (67.48), and Waldorf (51.67).

Mount Mercy improved to a fourth-place finish in the Grand View Invitational, posting a score of 70.04 in that competition. Once again it was St. Ambrose coming out on top at 91.29. Then it went Midland (87.87), Grand View (76.86), Mount Mercy (70.04), Baker (67.17), and Waldorf (52.36).

Competing for the Mustangs in both events were Haleigh Eakins, Mary Macumber, Mya Malone, Ja'Mya Robinson, Mara Shannon, Erin Vincel, Katelyn Williams, and Dylan Wilson.

"This weekend's competitions were an incredible start to our NAIA competitive season, and we could not be prouder of our performances," said Head Spirit Squad Coach Michaela Carle. "Our young team competed against four teams in last year's NAIA Competitive Cheer Championship, including the reigning champs. Our team even earned a score within five-tenths of a point of one of those teams in the first competition. We ended the second competition of the day with a zero-deduction routine and an almost 15-point increase in overall score from last year's season opener. We look forward to seeing how far this team can go."

Next up for the Mustangs will be the Day of Duals hosted by Concordia on Saturday, Feb. 10, in Seward, Neb.