FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Averett University's cheerleading team placed first in its category at the CCA Nationals held Saturday. The Cougars finished first in the All Girl Limited category with a score of 89.72, which made program history.

After their first performance of the day, the Cougars came back in the second round with increased scores in difficulty, technical and execution while hitting zero — a routine with no deductions from the judges — with a flawless performance. It was the second consecutive year the team hit zero with a performance.

"We love a win and we love a title, but the real accomplishment was this team performing their most intense routine that they ever have had," Averett head coach Hally Blake said. "They pushed their limits, so it didn't matter what title they brought home. They accomplished so much on that mat by holding their consecutive zero deduction routine, as well bringing their score up nearly 15 points from last year."