Morningside places fourth in NAIA qualifier, third in GPAC championships

CRETE, NEB. – A Morningside dance team that was much changed from last season's squad set out to defend their status as reigning Great Plains Athletic Conference champions at this year's league finale and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Northwest Group Qualifier. The Mustangs weren't able to repeat as champions, but they did put down a pair of solid routines, placing fourth in the event.

Morningside placed fifth in the preliminary round of the day's competition, scoring 83.13 points and putting themselves in the middle of the performance order for the final round. Midland, the top score out of prelims, an 88.40, would take the floor last. Fewer than 2.75 points separated places two through five after the prelims, leaving the door open for the Mustangs to move up in the final standings.

Total scores were tabulated later in the evening, combining 25 percent of the preliminary scores and 75 percent of the final round scores to reach a total score. The Mustangs, recording an 84.53 in the finals, moved up to fourth place in the competition with a total score of 84.18. Doane took the top spot on its home floor with a total of 86.49, with Midland following at 85.25 points. Viterbo scored third, registering in the NAIA qualifying placings, but omitted from the GPAC standings.

In addition to the team competition, GPAC All-Conference auditions took place with the honorees being recognized as part of the awards ceremony. Morningsiders Callie Stephens, Sinay Diaz, Jocelyn Hendrix, and Danielle Thompson all received all-conference honors, while Chloe Barcus, Riley Dohren, Brooke Harvey, and Bess Telfer received the honorable mention nod.

The Mustangs will wait until Monday, Feb. 27, to see if an at-large bid to the national championships is in the cards for the 2023 season.