USC Cheerleaders Take First Place

The competitive cheerleading squad at the took first place at the U.S. Finals in Virginia Beach on Saturday.

"We were just excited to have the opportunity to compete at that level," coach Amanda Sanderson said. "The team wanted to hit a great routine and have no regrets about their performance and that is just what they did. We were beyond ecstatic to win first place, a perfect end to a great season."

The competitive squad is made up of nineteen students grades nine through twelve. The students first had to make the sport cheerleading team — varsity, junior varsity or freshman — and then make the competitive team. 

"This is an extra commitment above and beyond cheering for sports," Sanderson explained. "You are required to tumble to be on the competitive team."

The team typically participates in three to four local competition each year. This is the first year the team received a bid to compete in the U.S. Finals.

"I am very proud to coach this group of kids, they have worked so hard this year, and have such a great team bond," Sanderson said. "Each of them has the desire and commitment every coach dreams of."

There are a total of eight U.S. Finals competitions going on across the country. Once all the competitions are completed, a judging panel will examine each first place winner and score them. The Upper St. Clair team will find out their final national ranking on May 23.

The champion team is comprised of four freshmen, nine sophomores and six juniors:

Nina Brajovic
Cheyenne Buntain
Ashley Clayton
Gabriella DaPra
Mariah Doohan
Carly Feduska
Shayla Forse
Kylie Fultineer
Paige Gillen
Natalie Hesse
Kelli Long
Hannah Lund
Erin Kyle
Deanna Neiser
Ashley Pearson
Alexa Pituch
Alina Pituch
Cooper Podobnik
Alyson Sciomacco