The Baldwin competitive cheer team earned first place for game day and was named overall high school grand champions Sunday at the Battle in the Burgh. 

Senior Samantha Davis said the team was at first confused by the way the rankings were announced, but soon was thrilled by the realization that the team had gotten first.

“Whenever we found out, we were really proud of ourselves and very excited,” Davis said.

She said one good moment of the competition, when the team showed it can keep its cool, came right before the music started and they took the mat.

“When we went on the mat, the music wouldn’t start right away, but we all knew what we had to do,” Davis said.

The team did a good job overcoming obstacles faced during practice and pulled it together for a win, she said.

“We really just put it all on the mat and did the best that we could not only for ourselves but for the reason that we all do cheerleading,” Said Davis

Freshman Addison Longo stood out because she has improved a lot throughout the season, Davis said.

“She stuck out and caught my eye with how she performed,” Davis said.