The defending NAIA national champion St. Ambrose Cheer and Dance teams opened up their competition seasons by each winning a pair of competitions at Grand View.

The SAU Cheer team won the seven-team Viking Classic by more than four points. SAU finished with an overall score of 91.98 while Xavier was second with an 87.74. The Bees nearly matched their score in winning the GVU Invitational with a 91.29. Midland was second in the six-team event with an 87.87.

The dance competitions were much tighter.

SAU had an overall score of 89.87 to win the GVU Invitational. Midland took second with an 89.70 and Grand View was third with an 87.20. In the Viking Classic, St. Ambrose took first place with a score of 90.10. Midland (88.48) and Grand View (87.15) again placed second and third, respectively.

Both teams will next compete in the Bethel Thresher Invitational Feb. 16-17 in Newton, Kan.