The cheerleading team was up early today for a flight to Disney World to compete at nationals.

“The team is ready to compete in Disney and they are very excited to be able to go back,” senior Kaitlyn Joyce said.

The team qualified for nationals on its first attempt, at the Miami Valley UCA Regionals in Ohio earlier this season.

Nationals are the final event of the cheer season. The team finished twelfth last season at Disney, and they hope to do even better this year.

Both the game day and mat teams are competing at Disney. The game day competition involves more of the cheering that is seen on the sidelines of sporting events. The mat competition involves more tumbling and stunts.

Sophomore Grace Varvo said she feels the team has improved since last year, but they are in a tougher division this year. She believes the girls will do well despite the adversity.

Other schools from the Pittsburgh area are also heading to Disney this weekend, including Bethel Park, Butler, North Hills, and North Allegheny, Joyce said.

“I am excited for the last big competition in Florida with my team, but I’m also sad my cheer career is coming to an end,” Joyce said.