Concordia places third amongst GPAC competitors at Doane

By Jacob Knabel on Feb. 3, 2023 in Dance

CRETE, Neb. – Fresh off the program’s first ever Concordia Invitational Tournament championship, the Concordia University Competitive Dance team got a better look at its GPAC competition. The Bulldogs returned to the dance floor and landed in third place at Friday (Feb. 3)’s Doane Cheer & Dance Invite held inside the Haddix Center in Crete, Neb. Concordia earned a score of 78.97 that left it trailing behind Doane (87.03) and Hastings (84.13).

Head Coach Mandi Maser’s squad managed to defeat Dordt (72.57) and Mount Marty (46.20) at the five-team meet. Said Maser, “Dance performed really well and only had a couple of minor glitches in technical skill. We are looking forward to the next competition and keeping our confidence level up.”

Doane Invite Results
1. Doane – 87.03
2. Hastings – 84.13
3. Concordia – 78.97
4. Dordt – 72.57
5. Mount Marty – 46.20

The Bulldogs had not been beaten by any opponents in their previous four outings this season. The 78.97 score on Friday came in below the team’s average of 83.18 entering the weekend. The team high remains the 85.9 recorded in a dual win over defending NAIA national champion Morningside. The Bulldogs have continued to roll out seven athletes into competitions this season.

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/Results
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)
1/28 – 1st place (CIT)
2/3 – 78.97 (3rd place at Doane Invite)

Next weekend will be heavy on competition as the Bulldogs will compete at the York University Crown Classic Invite (Feb. 10) and will then turn around and host the Concordia Day of Duals on Feb. 11. The event is slated to include 15 cheer and 15 dance teams for competition that will take place inside Friedrich Arena.