MONMOUTH, Ill. — The Monmouth College cheerleaders competed at the United Performing Association’s AmeriCup Cheer & Dance Championship last weekend at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

The women placed third in the collegiate open (all-girl) division, which advanced them to the grand championship competition against co-ed teams of 20 members or more. Monmouth placed fourth in the grand championship and was the only college team to place. The other top finishers were teams from cheer schools, which exist for competition purposes only and are coached by professionals.

“I would have to say that our squad was competing with the best of the best,” said Karen Ogorzalek, MC’s associate dean of students and director of campus events. “Their third- and fourth-place finishes are highly respectable, and I was certainly proud to be with them.”

Team members include seniors Channon Corzatt of Stronghurst, Liz Ruebush of Blandinsville, Stacie Finlen of Normal, Bridget Lee of Oswego and Gina Wolf of Erie; sophomores Emily Eddington of La Harpe, Beth Lindberg of Galva, Nicole Kaczmarek of Oswego, Christina Reiner of Clarendon Hills and Tammy Anderson of Shorewood; and freshmen Sarah Braun of Morrisonville and Kim Keasler of East Alton.