DES MOINES, Iowa — Xavier University of Louisiana competitive cheer finished second Sunday morning in the seven-team Viking Classic at Grand View University.
        XULA scored 87.74 out a possible 100 points. St. Ambrose, the 2023 NAIA national champion, won with 91.98 points in its season opener.
        Midland was third with 82.41 points, followed by Baker (68.36), Grand View (67.94), Mount Mercy (67.48) and Waldorf (51.67).
        This was XULA's third Midwest competition in three days. The Gold won the Midland Invitational Friday and the Doane Invitational Saturday. XULA was the 2022 NAIA national champion and placed sixth at nationals in 2023.
        XULA's lineup at the Viking Classic was the same as at Midland and Doane. Competing for the Gold were Kelsea Allen, Kendall Baggett, Kennedy Baggett, Syre Baker, Kaitlyn Banks, Tia Barrett, Gabrielle Brightmon, Amiyah Chapman, Kennedy Commings, Taylor Curley, Britney Dixon, Kennedy Guy, Spencer Porter, Cyrus Riddle, Kirstin Shears, Dylan Sonnier, Cameron Speed, Antonio Underwood and Kelsey White. Alternates were Samantha Benton, Lauren Bradfield and Dorian Harris.
        XULA will play host to the two-day, third annual Battle in the Big Easy, a cheer and dance event beginning Thursday at XULA's Convocation Center. First-day dance competition will start at 4:54 p.m., followed by cheer at 6:34 p.m. XULA cheer is scheduled to compete at 8:45 p.m. Thursday and 12:30 p.m. Friday.