BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Both Washington State University's cheer squad and Crimson Girls advanced to the finals in their respective Division IA categories for the second-straight year and the Crimson Girls finished third and cheer sixth in their respective Game Day categories at the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) and Universal Dancers Association (UDA) College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championships Friday-Sunday, Jan. 18-20, at ESPN's Wide World of Sports at Orlando, Fla. 

"This weekend the WSU Spirit Squad made history, with both the cheer and dance teams advancing to finals," WSU Spirit Coordinator and Head Cheer Coach, Jordan Benedict said. "This is the first time this has happened in back to back years. This was also a history-making trip where both teams competed in two different divisions and made finals in both. I am extremely proud of this team and spirit program. Our athletes work for countless hours and are given just one opportunity to show that work on the national stage with the goal of advancing on to finals. In the spirit world, advancing to finals is the equivalent of making the NCAA tournament at the highest level." 

The Crimson Girls notched their highest finish in school history in the Division IA Jazz finals, finishing fifth Sunday after advancing to the finals Saturday. Last season the Crimson Girls placed eighth after a 12th-place finish in 2017. Last year's runner-up and the 2017 champion, Minnesota, finished first followed by last year's champion, Ohio State, in second. Arizona State came in third and Tennessee fourth. The Cougars came in one pace again of Michigan, which placed fourth last year, Penn State, LSU, Florida State, Rutgers, Alabama, San Diego State and Michigan State. 

New this year was the Dance Game Day category, as the Crimson Girls competed in the Dance Division IA. The Crimson Girls placed third, finishing behind UNLV in first and Tennessee in second. Iowa (fourth), Oklahoma (fifth), Kentucky (fifth), Michigan State (sixth), Memphis (seventh), Louisiana-Lafayette (eighth), Temple (ninth), UAB (10th), Colorado State (11th), Louisiana Tech (12th) and New Mexico (13th) rounded out the finalists.

"I don't know if people truly realize what this group of women have done, and the boundaries they have pushed competing in this particular category and division," Crimson Girls Coach Kaila Evenoff said. "Just to educate you, Division 1A Jazz is the MOST competitive dance category at UDA Nationals. EVERY team is talented, unique, and fierce, so to be placed in the top five amongst the greatest teams in the nation says so much about this team and how hard they have pushed all season long. They've shown grit and resilience, but most importantly, they've continued to be selfless during this entire journey. They SHOW UP! Every practice, every game, for each other, and for the betterment of the team." 

"These athletes represent Washington State with the upmost pride, strength, and respect day in and day out. As a coach, that is all I can ask for. I believe they truly embody what it means to be a Coug! Way to set your hopes high ladies, and leave it all out on the floor! " 

WSU Cheer competed in the Division IA Coed category once again, finishing 15th. Last season the Cougars had their highest finish in school history at sixth, following 12th in 2016, 11th in 2015 and 12th in 2014. Kentucky won its 24th national championship and fourth-straight. Ohio State (second), Alabama (third), USF (fourth) and Oklahoma (fifth) rounded out the top-five. The only other Pac-12 school to advance to the finals, Washington, finished 14th.

Cheer competed in the inaugural Cheer Division IA Game Day category, finishing sixth. UCF was first, followed by Tennessee (second), Cincinnati (third), Mississippi (fourth) and San Diego State (fifth). Miami-Ohio was right behind WSU in seventh, followed by Washington, New Mexico and Minnesota in 10th.

"I am so thrilled that this team was able to overcome so much adversity and prove that WSU Cheer is a finals team and national contender, especially with Cheer competing in the most difficult division in the competition. I am also so thrilled and excited to have had the opportunity to showcase what we do at games. Being able to be rewarded for demonstrating the support we show to our teams is a great feeling. I am also so thrilled and proud of the Crimson Girls for their extremely high finishes and for making history in both Gameday with third place and Jazz coming in at fifth place. Both the cheerleaders and crimson Girls work extremely hard year round to represent WSU at the highest level both on game days and on the national stage and it is so great to see them rewarded for this effort!"