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DAYTONA, Florida -- The Iowa Central Community College Dance Team placed third in the largest collegiate dance competition in the United States, according to the team's assistant coach, Cassidy Vermeer.
The space-themed Triton dancers competed in the junior college division on Daytona Beach this past week. They entered the finals in third place and finished in the same spot.
The scores between the top three teams were very close, Vermeer said.
"Nationals is the most elite competition for colleges and to be competing right along next to the best of the best is a huge honor in itself," Vermeer said via text message.
The Triton squad achieved the highest score in Iowa Central dance history.
The group of 16 women is led by Head Coach Lesa Dencklau.
The team incorporated three different styles into their routine: pom, jazz and hip-hop.
Leah Lierman, of Ida Grove, and Emma Simpson, of Manson, are the team captains.
The Triton Dance Team
Zoey Aune, of Winona, Minnesota
Latreesa Green, of Fort Dodge
Morgen Grief, of Milo
Shalynn Hanson, of Fort Dodge
Karrina Laugen, of Lake Mills
Samantha Lennon, of Fort Dodge
Leah Lierman, of Ida Grove
Jessica Neeley, of Grinnell
Thutam Nguyen, of Eagle Grove
Kristen Rapp, of Fort Dodge
Bailey Reynolds, of Webster City
Kaitlin Scheff, of Bettendorf
Mykenzie Schoop, of Rockwell City
Emma Simpson, of Manson
Kaylee Smith, of Clarion
Tiffany Thompson, of Marshalltown