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     MOBILE, Ala. — Xavier University of Louisiana launched its co-ed competitive cheer program Friday in dual matches against Mobile, then Point. All three schools are NAIA members.
     XULA split the matchups. Mobile outscored XULA in the opening competition, then XULA outscored Point. Performances for each squad lasted 2-3 minutes.
     "We faced some great teams in Mobile, a conference and regional champion last year, and Point, a really sharp and technical team," XULA head coach Glenn Caston said. "We had some jitters, but we will continue to work hard to improve throughout the season, be more consistent and earn higher scores.
     "Still, we made history, and our team members learned a lot about themselves and their ability to recover through challenging circumstances."
     Mobile and Point finished 6-7 a year ago at NAIA nationals.
     XULA's second meet will be the Wolf Pack Invitational next Friday in New Orleans at Loyola's The Den. Caston said his team will compete once — between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
     "I am thankful for the support near and far," Caston said. "I hope we pack the house at Loyola with our fans."
     Competitive cheer is XULA's first debut sport since women's volleyball in 2003. XULA softball will make its debut in the spring of 2021.