Rochester Hills, Mich. — Hard to ask for a better start, as the Aquinas cheer team opened the 2023 competitive season with a pair of wins in Rochester on Saturday (Jan. 21).

The Saints defeated the host Rochester Warriors, 78.75-70.80, in a head-to-head dual and then went on to win the Warriors Cheer Classic against five other teams. Aquinas won the classic with a score of 80.40, ahead of Siena Heights, Rochester, Madonna, Spring Arbor and Point Park.

In the dual against Rochester, the Saints earned judges' scores of 80.9 and 78.6 for their performance. That was averaged and given a 1.0 deduction to end with a final score of 78.75.

AQ improved in the Warriors Cheer Classic with a score of 80.40, and received only one deduction of .05 points.

"We are incredibly proud of the team for opening the season with two amazing sets of scores," AQ cheer head coach Amy Jacobson said. "They faced a few challenges leading up to today's meets but proved that through their hard work and trust in each other, they can be successful. We achieved most of our goals for this competition and are ready to make some changes in preparation for our home meet on Feb. 5!"

Aquinas will host the Saints Showdown next on Feb. 5 inside the Sturrus Center.