Deductions doom ECC cheerleaders’ run at states

Seven of the 13 teams in the 2A Large Varsity division advanced to the second day of the PIAA Competitive Spirit Championships in Hershey following Friday’s preliminary round. However, due to deductions, District 9 champion Elk County Catholic ended up eighth on Friday – the first team not to advance.

ECC had an average score of 76.03333 but four points in deductions left the team with a final score of 72.0333. The final team to advance – Montoursville – earned a final score of 72.35 following a 0.25-point deduction.

Hickory High School had the best score of the day with 82.3333 and zero deductions. Joining Hickory in advancing directly to the finals were Neshannock High School, Archbishop Wood High School and Warren High School.

Neshannock actually earned the best average score of the day with 82.33333, but four points in deductions left the team with a final score of 8.7333. Archbishop Wood earned an average score of 79.3 but was assessed four points in deductions, making their final score 75.3. Warren earned an average score of 78.53333 but was assessed five points in deductions for a final score of 73.5333.

The three teams to advance to the semifinals were Bethlehem Catholic High School, Karns City High School, and Montoursville High School.

Bethlehem Catholic earned an average score of 77.4 but was assessed four points in deductions for a final score of 73.4. Karns City earned an average score of 74.5 but was assessed two points in deductions for a final score of 72.5. Montoursville earned an average score of 72.6 but was assessed a 0.25-point deduction for a final score of 72.35.

The semifinal and final rounds of the competition will be held today at the Giant Center in Hershey.