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Terps Take Crown At Cheersport
Feb. 16, 2009
ATLANTA, Ga. - The Maryland competitive cheer team performed another solid routine on the second day of Cheersport Nationals, to finish first with a combined score of 848 out of a possible 900. University of Louisville finished in second with a combined score of 814, and NC State placed third with a score of 810. "With this level of competitors, it's great that our routine was able to come out on top," said head coach Jarnell Bonds, who noted that the top 5 teams from last year's NCA College Nationals competed at Cheersport, "but we still have a lot of work to do to prepare for NCA in April." The team's stunts, tumbling and overall energy were even stronger Sunday than Saturday. "The first pyramid was technically perfect," said Bonds. One judge even wrote on the scoring sheet that UMD "wrote the book on technique today." Sophomore Season Daugherty helped the Terps improve their running tumbling score from Day 1 to Day 2 with her powerful and beautifully executed pass: whip full handspring, handspring double. Sophomore Britney Fonfara's partner stunt went up a little shaky, but she pulled her heel stretch so strong at the top that it was virtually undetectable. "She's a professional," Bonds said of Fonfara. Ali Martel, one of only three freshmen chosen to travel to Cheersport, showed exceptional poise and maturity in both performances, skillfully completing all of her stunting and tumbling skills. Junior co-captain Lauren Louis, who has been recovering from an ankle injury sustained at the end of last season, was able to tumble for the first time this year. She hit her tumbling pass strong both days. The clean and energetic performance allowed the Terrapins to not only beat out all of their competitors, but also their score from Day 1. Their next competition will be with the World Spirit Federation next Sunday in Richmond. CHEERSPORT FINAL RESULTS
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