Dance keeps streak alive with sixth-place NAIA finish

Photo courtesy Kyle Pattrick, Baker University Sports Information Director.

YPSILANTI, MICH. – Morningside Dance kept its streak alive, appearing in the seventh consecutive National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Cheer & Dance Championship, performing in the national spotlight every year since the dance achieved the status of NAIA championship sport. The Mustangs placed sixth in this year's event with a total score of 85.23.

Morningside was third on the floor in the preliminary round of the national championship, entering the competition as an at-large qualifier after placing fourth at the northwest group qualifying event. Midland and Viterbo, who placed second and third in the qualifier, took the floor immediately after Morningside.

The Mustangs performed their routine in the prelims, scoring 85.30 points with zero deductions, good for fourth place as the rest of the round played out. Saint Ambrose took the top spot in prelims with a score of 91.40. 25-percent of each team's preliminary score would contribute to the total score.

Competing in the finals in reverse order of the standings after prelims, The Mustangs were ninth on the floor for their final routine of the 2023 season. Following its turn on the floor, Morningside received a 85.20 for the second routine, performing another zero-deduction run that would constitute 75-percent of the total score. Saint Ambrose again took the top spot with a 94.07.

Following competition overall scores were tabulated, revealing Morningside as the sixth-place finisher, with the Mustangs scoring 85.23 points. Fellow northwest qualifiers Midland, Doane, and Viterbo placed second, fifth, and seventh, respectively.