WICHITA, Ks. -- The Vanguard dance team was one of 10 programs at the NAIA Southwest Dance Qualifier on Saturday and needed to win to advance to the NAIA Nationals.  The Blue and Gold put it all on the line during the routine and were awarded a 79.76.  Unfortunately, this would not be enough, as the Stars of Oklahoma City University took the top spot with an 86.64.  The Lions ended third, as Hope International stole second by posting an even 80 for their routine.

"We laid down an amazing routine," said Head Coach Taylor Smith.  "I am so proud of the ladies because they gave their all the past few weeks to learn some changes to the routine and put in so many hours of practice.  We maxed out every single section of the score sheet and we did really well.  The placement is not what I wanted but the performance was there, and the judges said we were great."