The competitive cheer team placed third in the AAA large division and fifth overall at WPIALs on Saturday, earning a spot at states.

The Highlanders competed against 23 WPIAL AAA teams at the competition. 

“We did really well with our stunts,” senior Carly Dowhy said. “We hit everything, and it was just super solid.”

Senior Lily Rock agreed, saying Baldwin’s stunts and tumbling were strong.

Sophomore Evie Politio had a standout performance, Dowhy said.

“She landed all of her tumbling and did it very well,” Dowhy said.

Freshman Bella Edwards also did well, Rock said. 

The competition was strong, Rock said. 

“A lot of the other teams hit their routines, too, so it made it a tight competition,” Dowhy said.

While the team scored and placed well, there are improvements needed before states. 

“I feel like we could improve on being more confident and a little cleaner,” Dowhy said.

This WPIALs score qualified the team for states. They already have earned a bid for nationals. The team has a good chance at nationals, but they need to add some more difficulty to their routine beforehand, Rock said.

The team will compete in states Jan. 9 and 10.