Maryville Mo.-The University of the Ozarks competitive cheerleading team qualified for its fourth consecutive National Cheerleaders Association College Nationals appearance after earning a Silver Bid at the NCA College Cheer Camp this week.

Under the direction of head coach Frances Mills, the Eagles won first place in the Rally Routine competition and second place in the All-Girl Intermediate Crowd Segment competition. The Eagles additionally won the Most Improved Team award. The camp was hosted by Northwest Missouri State University.

"We are beyond excited with our performance this year at the NCA College Camp," said Mills. "We are honored to receive the Most Improved award over the entire camp. The team worked diligently to ensure that they hit both their Rally Routine and Crowd Segment routine with zero deductions. During the competition on the final day, they came up big and nailed both routines."

In just its fifth year of existence, the Eagles have ascended the collegiate cheerleading ranks to be among the top small collegiate teams in the country. Following the team's performance in Missouri, Mills is excited about the 2018-2019 season.

"This year will be one to remember," she said. "These girls went above and beyond to ensure the success of the team at camp. I cannot wait to see how far they go this season. They will definitely be a top contender for the NCA College National Championship in April."

The NCA College Nationals will be held April 3-7, 2019, in Daytona Beach, Florida.