Grand Rapids, Mich. — For a fourth straight season, the Aquinas dance team secured a second place finish at the NAIA Northeast Regional. Unlike the previous competitions, the Saints hosted the event for the first time on Friday (Feb. 24) inside the Sturrus Center.

With the home support, AQ scored an overall score of 85.52 points after a preliminary performance of 84.87 (worth 25% of the overall score) and then a final performance of 85.73 (worth 75%). 

Defending champions St. Ambrose won with an overall score of 92.29 points. The Bees won the NAIA National Championship in 2021 and 2018, and placed runner-up in 2022 and 2019.

St. Francis (84.34), Siena Heights (84.15) and Saint Xavier (80.20) rounded out the Top 5 in the 10-team postseason competition. 

The Saints received its highest scores during the pom-pom portion of the routine. AQ also earned high marks in choreography, overall degree of difficulty and performance impression. 

"The team had a very successful day at Regionals," AQ head coach Ashley Kaman said. "We made great improvements in our choreography and execution from last weeks conference championship, resulting in higher scores and a great placement. We are hopeful to earn an at-large bid to nationals after todays performance!"

St. Ambrose earned an automatic bid to the NAIA National Tournament by winning the regional competition. Aquinas will have to wait and see if they get an at-large bid to attend the national tournament. The Saints have competed at every national competition since it was formed in 2017. AQ finished second at the first national championship, which remains the Saints highest-ever finish.  

The 7th annual competitive cheer and dance NAIA National Tournament will be held March 10-11, in Ypsilanti, Mich., on the campus of Eastern Michigan University.