SEWARD, Neb. – While performing at home for the third week in a row, the Concordia University Competitive Dance team continued to score at a level that ranks among the best NAIA squads in the nation so far in 2023. The Bulldogs earned a total of 83.1 on Wednesday (Jan. 25) and outdueled their guests, Hastings (73.3) and Mount Marty (39.4). Through three home outings, Concordia has scored higher than every opponent it has faced.
Head Coach Mandi Maser’s squad entered the night with the nation’s fourth-highest average score. The 83.1 fell in between the scores of 80.55 and 85.9 the Bulldogs have posted this season.
Said Maser, “Dance did a great job tonight. They kept their scores in the range we want to continue and build upon and performed in front of a great crowd. We are loving the support from Bulldog Nation. Our focus is to improve technique and keep the momentum.”
Concordia has used the same competition roster (listed below) for each of its first three events of 2023. The group has led the Bulldogs to the strongest start the program has ever enjoyed. In defeating Hastings, Concordia managed to climb above a squad it finished behind at last year’s GPAC Championships.
Concordia competition roster
· Aubrey Baumann (Chester, S.D.)
· Katie Birtell (Columbus, Neb.)
· Ryleigh Flesner (Greeley, Colo.)
· Taylor Larsen (Ravenna, Neb.)
· Avery Lewis (Seward, Neb.)
· Elise O’Neill (North Platte, Neb.)
· Maddie Wittstruck (Milford, Neb.)
2023 Competition Scores
1/11 – 80.55 (dual vs. College of Saint Mary)
1/19 – 85.9 (dual vs. Morningside)
1/25 – 83.1 (triangular vs. Hastings/Mount Marty)
The Concordia Invitational Tournament is up next. This will be the fourth year that CIT has included cheer and dance competitions. As part of CIT, the Bulldog cheer and dance teams will appear at the basketball games and will compete against the Concordias of Ann Arbor, Chicago and Wisconsin on Saturday morning. The CIT cheer competition is set to begin at 9 a.m. with dance to follow at 9:50 a.m. A preview of the event can be found HERE. Said Maser, “We are excited for CIT and can’t wait to keep the traditions alive this weekend.”