Tracy squad second at cheer competition

Tracy High’s Competition Cheer Squad took second place this past weekend at the United Spirit Association Nationals competition at the Anaheim Convention Center.

The Tracy High team competed in the Super Varsity Show Cheer division Friday to qualify for the finals Sunday. On Sunday, the team took second place out of four teams, winning a trophy and medals for each of the 26 girls on the team.

First place went to Sunny Hills High of Fullerton, and Tracy finished ahead of Brawley Union High and Santa Barbara High.

West High also sent teams to the competition, and West’s cheer squad took eighth place in the Large Varsity Show Cheer Intermediate division. Fourteen teams competed in the finals in that division Sunday.

The United Spirit Association Nationals is the culmination of a season of cheer competitions, where high school teams must qualify through regional competition. Both Tracy and West high schools had teams qualify during regional competition Jan. 9 at Bear Creek High in Stockton.

Cougars make State Cup final

The California Cougars girls under-18 soccer team beat Sacramento Elite, 2-0, in the weekend’s NorCal Premier State Cup semifinals in Stockton.

Alexis Poppoff scored both Cougar goals on assists by Kylie Gacer and Megan Mata. Keeper Brianna Murawski posted the shutout behind the strong defensive play of Karly Dunning, Sarah Manseau, Michelle Russell and Melissa Worthington.

With the win, the Cougars advance to the NorCal State Cup final April 11 in Manteca.