DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - The Gannon competitive cheer team sits in sixth place out of seven teams in the All-Girl Division II after the first day of the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) Collegiate National Championship Thursday night in Daytona Beach, Florida.

California Baptist leads the group with 93.55 points. The University of Central Oklahoma (91.10), Columbus State (Ga.) (88.45), Grand Valley State (Mich.) (87.83), Lewis (Ill.) (87.40), Gannon (82.25) and Merrimack (Mass.) (78.55) completed the team standings after day one.

After advancing to the national championship finals of the All-Girls Intermediate Division last year, Gannon moved up to the All-Girl Division II this year. The Lady Knights recorded scores of 9.80 in the 45-second category, 7.50 in tumbling, 8.23 in partner stunt, 9.00 in pyramids, 7.68 in jumps, 7.85 in choreography, 8.08 in degree of difficulty and 7.88 in overall impression. The squad received a perfect 10.00 in collegiate image. Unfortunately, the Lady Knights were deducted 2.75 points overall.

Gannon earned a bid to the national championships for the second consecutive season. In their second year of competition, the Lady Knights placed first in their division at all but one event during the regular season. The squad took home first place at the Battle at the Capitol All-Star Dance and Collegiate Championship, the JDRF Cheer for a Cure and Jam Live! Washington.

The All-Girl Division II finals begin Friday, April 10 at 5:08 p.m. with Merrimack. Gannon follows at 5:16 p.m. Teams will perform in order of seeding until top-seeded California Baptist hits the mat at 5:56 p.m.

Video on Demand will be available a few hours after scheduled performance times and a live stream of Friday's championship finals will be available for purchase at www.Varsity.com. The CBS Sports Network will replay the championships on Saturday, May 3. Please check your local listings for times.

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