DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The St. Gregory's University cheer team finished third overall Friday at the NCA/NDA NAIA College Nationals in Daytona Beach, Fla. Competing in the All-Girls division, the Cavaliers improved on Thursday's preliminary round score of 86.63 with a final round total of 88.13.

SGU finished 4.27 points behind defending champion Oklahoma City and 1.65 back of runner-up Indiana University Northwest. The Cavs were judged in categories such as stunts, baskets, pyramids, jumps, tumbling and motions/dance. It was the program's first appearance at the national competition since the school added the sport in 2010.

"I am so proud of how far this team has come this year," said SGU coach Jessica Stiles. "Our goal was to qualify for nationals this season, and to finish third overall is a huge accomplishment. We are looking forward to next year and hope to bring a title back to St. Gregory's."

SGU booked its inaugural trip to nationals in early February when it finished second at the NAIA South Qualifying Group Cheer/Dance Championships. The Cavs finished less than a point behind OCU that day.

The NAIA currently considers competitive cheer an "emerging sport" and is working toward becoming the first collegiate governing body to host competitive cheer and dance as a "National Championship Sport." Until that time, the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) and National Dance Alliance (NDA) will host the NAIA teams' national competition.

View SGU's finals performance below: