The Lionettes dance team captured both the Division II Jazz and Hip Hop titles at the NCA/NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Team Championships April 8 at the Band Shell and Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Lindenwood began the week as the defending champions in the Jazz competition. If that put pressure on the team, it didn't show as the Lions started well in prelims with a score of 93.2286. That was good enough for second place with only 0.4285 points separating the Lions from first place Northwest Missouri State. As one of seven teams advancing to the finals, the Lionettes upped their game to perform a nearly flawless routine. With a final event score of 94.4, Lindenwood claimed the crown ahead of Merrimack College (94.3714) in second, and Northwest Missouri State (93.2) in third.
Lionettes led the Hip Hop competition from beginning to end, starting in prelims with a score of 93.6857. That gave Lindenwood a 0.7143 point lead over second place Valdosta State and more the a five point advantage over third place California State – Dominguez Hills. In the finals the Lionettes improved their performance slightly, but it was enough to hold off a charging Valdosta team. With a final score of 93.8286, Lindenwood claimed its second championship trophy of the week. Valdosta State (93.3143) took second and Limestone University (88.9714) claimed the third-place spot.
Director of Dance Whitney Schneider was asked to comment about the two titles.
"If I am being honest, I don't have any words yet," she confided. "I haven't fully processed everything this week brought but I am one proud coach! This was very unexpected, but the hard work of the team ALL season is what made this dream a reality for them!"
Lionettes won their third straight Jazz title and the two championships became the seventh and eighth in program history. It was also the sixth straight completed season in which Lindenwood won a national title.
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Division II Jazz Final Results |
Event Score |
| 1 |
Lindenwood University |
94.4 |
| 2 |
Merrimack College |
94.3714 |
| 3 |
Northwest Missouri State |
93.2 |
| 4 |
Valdosta State University |
91.4 |
| 5 |
Dallas Baptist University |
91.0286 |
| 6 |
Bentley University |
90.8571 |
| 7 |
Davenport University |
90.2 |
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Division II Hip Hop Finals |
Event Score |
| 1 |
Lindenwood University |
93.8286 |
| 2 |
Valdosta State University |
93.3143 |
| 3 |
Limestone University |
88.9714 |
| 4 |
California State - Dominguez Hills |
87.6857 |
| 5 |
Gannon University |
87.2286 |
