Topeka, KS – The University of the Cumberlands cheer team delivered a historic performance Saturday at the NAIA Competitive Cheer National Championship, finishing fourth overall with a program-record score of 91.73 inside the Stormont Vail Events Center. 

The Patriots improved from their preliminary round performance and climbed into the top four on the final day of competition, earning team hardware while posting the highest score in program history at an NAIA National Championship. The mark surpasses UC's previous nationals record set last season. 

The NAIA Championship format combined scores from both rounds, with 25 percent coming from Friday's preliminary round and 75 percent from Saturday's finals performance. 

Xavier (La.) captured the national title with a score of 96.13, while Indiana Wesleyan placed second (92.72) and St. Ambrose finished third (91.75). Cumberlands rounded out the top four just behind St. Ambrose, finishing ahead of Oklahoma City (91.48) and Dickinson State (90.46). 

Notably, Cumberlands was one of just three all-female teams in the 15-team national field, competing against a majority of coed programs. The Patriots' top-four finish highlights the strength and competitiveness of UC's all-women's team on the national stage.

The Patriots' strong finish caps off a standout showing on the national stage and marks another step forward for the program against the top competition in the NAIA. 

Cumberlands will now turn its attention to its next competition at the NCA College Nationals, set for April 9–11 in Daytona Beach, Florida. 

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