DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Missouri State finished fourth at the National Cheerleading Association (NCA) national competition here.

Missouri State's final-round score of 95.25 placed the squad just behind national champion North Carolina A&T (97.6412), Stephen F. Austin (97.2014) and Central Arkansas (95.5764) in the Intermediate Small Coed Division I Cheer category. Jackson State was fifth.

"We performed a perfect routine in finals," said MSU head cheer coach Will Thomas. "On the performance floor, we had 11 rookies, and they absolutely crushed it for the first time. Our seven veterans with experience on the mat have been the foundation and leaders of the entire season. The team is so grateful for this opportunity."

Missouri State's performance in Friday's final round featured no deductions. A total of 14 teams performed in the final round.