The two-time defending NAIA National Champion SAU Cheer and Dance teams opened up their competition seasons by winning the Viking Challenge hosted by Grand View Sunday in Des Moines, Iowa.

Each team was challenged in a pair of duals.

The SAU Cheer team defeated Morningside 93.2-69.6 and Midland 92.95-83.2. St. Ambrose's combined score of 186.15 was easily the top score among the nine cheer teams. Second-place Grand View finished with a total score of 167.35.

Competing members were Ava Arnold, JP Elder, Chloe Fulcher, Graysen Gerlinger, Mikal Honeycutt, Sydnee Horstman, Jesse Lopez, Savanah Metzger, Patrick Nauman, Alyssa Oczko, Taye Owten, Reese Puleo, Rachel Ruplinger, Ryan Russo, Haley Scholbrock, Savannah Schumacher, Brady Teel and RJ Woods. Alternates were Devyn George, Layla Taylor and Regan Tucker.

The SAU Dance team edged Midland 92.75-90.0 before defeating Graceland with a score of 93.05. The Bees' total score of 185.8 was the best among the 11 dance programs. Midland finished second with a combined score of 182.0.

Maddy Barnes, Lilly Bonnet, Lexi Crook, Shea Denahy, Sara Gundacker, Grace Harms, Josie Kaffenberger, Karsyn Kuffler, Karli Langley, Sydnie Offermann, Emma Schoonover, Kyla Shaw, Grace Sheldon and Leah Zeimet competed for the SAU Dance team. Alternates were Evie Miller, Josephine Lai and Maggie Schreiber.

Both teams will return to action at the York Crown Classic in York, Neb., Feb. 7.