April 7, 2007

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - The Kennesaw State competitive cheer team had a strong performance in the finals of the 2007 NCA/NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championships, and for the second straight year placed third in the nationals at the Ocean Center.

In the Friday afternoon All-Girl Division I finals, Kennesaw State improved their score from Thursday's preliminary round and stayed in third place. The Owls scored an 8.64 on their routine, .23 points higher than their first round score.

"We are pleased with out third place finish, but not with out overall performance," said head coach Felecia Mulkey. "We go out every time looking for a clean, flawless routine. On Friday we didn't achieve that. We dropped two stunts which brought down our score significantly. I'm not sure that our placement would have changed at all, but that's not important to us."

The Owls finished behind first-place finisher, Maryland (9.11), and runner-up Louisville (9.03). KSU finished ahead of Rutgers, Quinnipiac, North Carolina State, South Carolina, Florida and Georgia.

"We always want to represent KSU to the best of our ability every time we hit the floor, added Mulkey. "This year has left us some room for improvement next season."

Kennesaw State has finished in the top three nationally for the past six seasons.

2007 NCA/NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championships
Ocean Center, Daytona Beach, Fla.

Final Round Scores
1 Maryland 9.11
3 Louisville 9.03
3 KENNESAW STATE 8.64
4 Rutgers 8.49
5 Quinnipiac 8.43
6 North Carolina State 8.42
7 South Carolina 8.40
8 Florida 8.17
9 Georgia 7.31