The UCF spirit teams wrapped up the first day of the UCA & UDA College Nationals Friday, as the Knights finished third in the division 1A gameday cheer competition held at ESPN Wide World of Sports. Additionally, the dance team advanced to the semifinals of division IA jazz with a strong showing on the opening day of action.
In the semifinals of cheer gameday, UCF compiled a 93.03 to earn the fifth seed heading into the finals session behind Kentucky (93.06), Cincinnati (93.3), Tennessee (94.56) and South Florida (95.56).
The Black and Gold put together their best routine of the day in the finals to claim third behind South Florida (96.7) and Tennessee (96.06). UCF had a score of 94 with no deductions.
UCF’s dance team scored an 89.92 in the prelims to advance to Saturday's semifinals. The Knights will compete at 3:12 p.m. in the State Farm Field House.
Also on Saturday, the reigning champion UCF division IA coed cheer competes in the semifinals at 12:38 p.m. in the Advent Health Arena South. After the winning the National Championship last year, the Knights will await the announcement of finalists at 1:50 p.m.
The hip hop dance squad will take to the floor at 8:39 p.m. for the semifinals in that event, also in Arena South. Finalists for jazz will be announced starting at 6:45 p.m., while the hip hop finalists will be unveiled at 10:30 p.m.