The NDSU Dance team finished in fifth place at the Universal Dance Association’s 2009 College Dance Team National Championship Jan. 17-18. The competition was held at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla.

The Division I section champion was California State University Long Beach, followed by Idaho State University, California State University Fullerton, Missouri State University and NDSU. A total of 24 schools took part in the Division I competition.

The 13-member squad, coached by Katy Kowalski and Meghan Wabner, performs at NDSU athletic events, community functions and competitions. The team’s choreographer is Emily Schock.

"I am so proud of all their hard work and dedication to the team,” said Kowalski. “We couldn't have asked for a better group."

Captain Amber Haugen, a senior from Alexandria, Minn., said, “We worked so hard this season, and being fifth in the nation is something to be proud of. We wanted to walk off the floor at nationals having no regrets, which l feel we did."

Sophomore Katie Montag, a sophomore from Apple Valley, Minn., added, “We really wanted to peak at nationals. We truly came together and did the best we have ever done.”

The NDSU Dance Team includes Kellie Case, junior, Greenfield, Minn.; Alyssa Falvey, freshman, Burnsville, Minn.; Heidi Guggenberger, junior, Eagan, Minn.; Kelsey Hartsel, sophomore, Brooklyn Park, Minn.; Haugen; Stephanie Mitchell, sophomore, Blaine, Minn.; Montag; Marissa Montgomery, freshman, Woodbury, Minn.; captain Kallista Nilson, sophomore, West Fargo; Kristen Oldyn, freshman, Eagan, Minn.; Ashley Osterhues, freshman, Eagan, Minn.; Lindsey Sellinger, freshman, Chaska, Minn., and Lauren Semanko, freshman, Fargo.