DAYTONA BEACH, Florida — The University of Maine cheerleading team captured a national title during a National Cheerleaders Association competition held Thursday and Friday.
UMaine recorded 82.50 points from 10 different categories to win the NCA’s Intermediate All-Girl I title.
St. Joseph’s University (Pennsylvania) finished second in the seven-team field with 79.35 points while Illinois State placed third with 78.33 and was trailed by the University of San Diego (77.73) and Rider (New Jersey) University (77.03) to round out the top five.
Maine received perfect scores of 10 in the categories of collegiate image and 45-second performance. Its scores in the other categories were: tumbling (7.6), partner stunt (7.58), pyramids (7.58), baskets (7.7), jumps (7.55), choreography (8.38), degree of difficulty (8.58) and overall effect (8.55).
Members of the Maine team are Sara Bevilacqua, Paige Castonguay, Taylor Clark, Laura Doyen, Lauren Fogg, Tabatha Goodale, Emily Hernando, Heather Holt, Samantha Hopkins, Frances Kimball, Jenny Mathews, Moira MacDougall, Marissa Moschella, Michayla Moore, Lauren Nightingale, Melina Passalacqua, Hanya Phillips, Nadia Rashed, Sarah Rashed, Shannon Scully, Amanda Shaughnessy, Deirdre Somerville, Alana Spaeth, Taylor Wardwell and Michayla Quimby.
The Black Bears are coached by Melinda Kenny and Stephanie Crane.