Kansas City, MO – Two days after capturing their first NAIA Regional Championship in program history, the UC cheerleading team was among the 12 teams that qualified for the NAIA National Championships, announced by the national office Sunday.  The Patriots earned an automatic bid after winning the Mideast region.

It will mark the second straight year that UC has advanced to the championships, which will be contested March 13-14 in Davenport, Iowa.

Cumberlands have averaged 80.78 points per six competitions this season, which ranked sixth in the NAIA.  The Patriots have scored at least 80 points in a round four times, with their highest score, 83.96, coming at the Mid-South Conference Championships.  UC recorded a score of 83.38 I the finals of Mideast Regionals to help the Patriots earn top honors.

UC is one of eight teams that are returning to the championships after competing last year. Point and Loyola are the only two programs that are making their first appearance.

Prelims are scheduled to begin at 7:35 EST on March 13 and finals will begin at 1:15 EST on March 14.

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