YORK, Neb. – Never before had Concordia University, Nebraska Competitive Dance won an invite with such a large field of teams. When the dust settled on Friday (Feb. 6) evening in York, Neb., the Bulldogs claimed the first-place trophy at the York University Crown Classic, outperforming 13 other NAIA squads. Concordia earned a score of 87.33 in a continuation of lofty early season marks.
Head Coach Mandi Maser’s program has won its first championship since claiming the CIT crown in 2023. The Bulldogs held off second place Hope International, which had a score 86.63.
“Today was a great day for Bulldog Dance,” Maser said. “We competed at a large invitational and performed with tremendous heart and passion, continuing to build momentum toward our goals for NAIA nationals. Competitive dance is a subjective sport, and our focus remains on giving our very best in every performance. I’ve said it before and will continue to say it – this team is truly special, and I am incredibly grateful to be on this journey with them.”
The Bulldogs have placed third or higher in three straight invitationals while adding to the trophy case. The team’s latest score came in just below the school record of 87.7 achieved at last week’s Coyote Classic at Kansas Wesleyan University. Concordia has scored 83.66 or better in each of its four routines in this 2026 competition season. The ten Bulldogs listed below represented Concordia Dance at the York Crown Classic. The captains are seniors Taylor Larsen and Elise O’Neill.
As part of the event at York, Concordia defeated GPAC rivals in Doane (third), Morningside (fifth), Dordt (ninth), Briar Cliff (10th), Northwestern (11th) and Hastings (13th). The top three teams all received trophies.
York Crown Classic Competition Roster
· Hanna Bitner (Valentine, Neb.)
· Alexis Carlen (Staunton, Ill.)
· Brynley Cooper (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Sienna Kelly (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Taylor Larsen (Ravenna, Neb.)
· Elise O’Neill (North Platte, Neb.)
· Cameron Ottersberg (Pawnee City, Neb.)
· Biance Romshek (Bellwood, Neb.)
· Addison Sample (Pleasant Dale, Neb.)
· Lana Tillman (Battle Creek, Neb.)
2026 Competitions
Jan. 21 – Def. CSM in dual (83.66)
Jan. 24 – Placed 3rd/8 (85.21) at the Dordt Invite
Jan. 30 – Placed 3rd/9 (87.7) at KWU Classic
Feb. 6 – Placed 1st/14 (87.33) at York Crown Classic
As part of an action-packed weekend, the Bulldogs now shift focus to hosting Saturday’s Concordia Cheer & Dance Invitational. The cheer competition will get underway at 9:30 a.m. CT with dance to follow at 11 a.m. inside Friedrich Arena. There will be eight cheer and eight dance routines featured at the home invite.