SAGINAW, Mich. - The Davenport University pompon team competed on Sunday, Nov. 3 at the Mid American Pompon High Kick Championship for the third-straight season and finished sixth in its division. The Panthers were able to increase their score from a year ago by 22 points while only coming seven points shy of Saginaw Valley State and 12 short of Central Michigan. The competition took place in Saginaw's Dow Event Center and was the host to six teams in the collegiate division from the surrounding area including CMU, SVSU, Grand Valley State and the Detroit metro.

"This competition shows how far we've come," said first-year head coach, Erin Engeseth. "These girls have worked extremely hard to achieve this success and the point gain in our division really shows how up and coming they are. We are so excited to get started on our states routine for February and can't wait to continue the growth in talent and unity of this team."

The team now heads into their winter season in preparation for states and are set to compete on Jan. 25 at the Dance Force Express Winter Wishes Competition in Pinckney, Mich. and Mid American Pompon States Championship on Feb. 9 at Eastern Michigan University.

Story contributions from Erin Engeseth