RIVER FOREST, Ill. – The Concordia University Chicago (CUC) dance team hosted the Cougar Winter Collegiate Dance Invite in Geiseman Gymnasium. The Cougars competed against multiple schools including, North Park University, North Central University, Carroll University, Elmhurst University, and Concordia University Wisconsin.
 
First in the group categories, the Cougars were able to perform highly in both their performances. In the team performance category, CUC took first place with a score of 63.7. In addition, the Cougars took second place in the poms category with 62.7 points. All six teams competed in this category, with only the Cardinals of North Central placing above the Cougars.

"We're focused on continuing to grow and perfect our routines," Head Coach Dirvelys Allen said. "Today it's great to celebrate scoring well but we will continue to keep pushing forward to continue to improve and perfect our technical execution."
 
The dance team had three soloists this afternoon, Fatima Martinez (St. Clair Shores, Mich.), Cienna Reed (Milan, Ill.), and Ella Cook (Cicero, N.Y.). All three Cougars shined in their performances and medaled. Martinez took sixth with a score of 52.43, while Reed placed second with a score of 57.07. The overall solo champion title went to Cook with a score of 58.53. 

"Our soloists were outstanding today, each one strong and representing CUC dance well!" Coach Allen praised of the soloists.
 
The Cougars' next competition will Sunday, March 16, where they will host the Cougar Spring Collegiate Dance Invite. Coverage can be found at cucougars.com/coverage.