Pirate cheer team advances to State Finals on
Saturday

Monday, March 3, 2008 11:41 PM CST

MERRILL - The Pewamo-Westphalia Lady Pirate cheer team
placed first at the regional cheer competition on Saturday, advancing them to
the State Finals.

Finals will be held on Saturday, March 8, at the Delta Plex
in Grand Rapids.

The Pirates led in all three rounds of competition,
earning 224.5 in round one, 231.414 in round two and 302 in round three.

Merrill, the host team, received 203.5 in round one, 196.788 in round two
placing them third, behind Breckenridge, the 2007 State Champs, going into
round three.

Merrill outscored Breckenridge 281.5 to 263 in round three, moving them into
second place, allowing them to advance to states along with the Pirates.