April 10, 2009

DAYTONA BEACH, FL-For the fifth time in the last 10 years, the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth's cheerleading team is a national champion.

The Corsairs finished first in the All-Girl Division III National Cheerleading Association Championships at the Ocean Center Friday evening. The finish gives UMass Dartmouth back-to-back championships for the first time.

UMass Dartmouth scored 9.232 points. Bridgewater State finished second with 8.902 points. The Corsairs finished first in the All-Girl Division II competition in 1999 and 2001, finished second in 2005 and again in 2007.The Corsairs were fourth five years ago and third in each of the previous two seasons. This marked the first time that Division III teams and Division II teams have been separated.

"I was extremely pleased with our performance today," said UMass Dartmouth Head Coach Scott Bouchard. "I am so proud to be coaching such a talented team. As a coach, this is my third title in the five years I've been here, and it's very exciting."

The championships marked the conclusion of the season for UMass Dartmouth.

UMASS DARTMOUTH CHEERLEADING