Dance team starts season on high note

DES MOINES, Iowa - The Mount Mercy dance team performed their NAIA routine for the first time this past weekend on Sunday, Jan. 29 at the Viking Classic and Grand View Invitational competitions hosted by Grand View. 

Mount Mercy, St. Ambrose, Peru State (Neb.) and Grand View squared off against each other. Out of all the teams, the Mustangs improved their team score the most from event one to event two, increasing by nearly three full points. 

Viking Classic                             Grand View Invitational

St. Amborse - 92.77                   St. Ambrose - 93.90

Grand View - 87.20                    Grand View - 88.77

Mount Mercy - 74.77                  Mount Mercy - 77.57

Peru State (Neb.) - 52.50           Peru State (Neb.) - 51.07

After taking the time to make improvements in-between the two events, Mount Mercy averaged a score of 76.17, putting them 13th place in the nation after their first competition of the season. 

"I'm incredibly proud of the hard work both the cheer and dance teams have put in so far this season! They each have set some big goals for the season they are using to stay motivated during practice. This is a fantastic start to our NAIA Competition season and know the teams will achieve great success this year," said Head Dance Coach Taylor Kass.  

The dance team will be back in action for two more events on Saturday, Feb. 11 at Baker (Kan.) followed by Sunday, Feb. 12 at Benedictine (Kan.).