Cheerleading team places fifth in national championship

The Liberty Cheerleading squad posted a fifth-place finish in the Universal Cheerleaders Association’s (UCA) College Cheerleading National Championship, held in Orlando, Fla., at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on Jan. 15.

Competing in the Small Coed Division I portion of the competition, Liberty was ranked sixth in their 16-team division after submitting a skills tape in November.

“We were excited to have this opportunity to represent Christ and Liberty University on the national scene,” said head coach Jennifer Sydnor.

Following the semifinal round of competition Saturday, the team moved onto the final round in ninth place. In the final round of the event, the squad put together a routine that moved them up four spots as the team finished in fifth.

“We are so thankful to Liberty for allowing us this opportunity to represent the university in the national cheerleading world,” Sydnor said.

• For more information on the event and to see a video and photos of the team’s performance, visit www.libertyflames.com.