RICHLAND – The Ephrata High School cheer and stunt team punched its ticket to the WIAA State Cheer and Stunt Championships, qualifying in both Game Day and Tumbling at the Battle in the Desert competition Saturday, Jan. 10, at Hanford High School.

The Tigers finished third in Game Day with a score of 76 points (37.5 music, 38.5 cheer, no deductions) in a field of seven coed teams. Moses Lake claimed the title with 85.9 points, followed by Ferris (Spokane) at 76.5.

Ephrata edged out Spokane’s Lewis and Clark (66.8), Pasco (65.8), Clarkston (65) and Tonasket (52.9) for the final qualifying spot.

In Tumbling competition, Ephrata also placed third with 75.8 points (50 tumbling, 25.8 stunt) out of five teams. The Tigers performed clean routines in both categories with no deductions. Moses Lake (83.5) and Ferris (83.1) again claimed the top two spots.

Members of the Tiger cheer squad are Annjolenn Ahmann, Hannah Allen, Carson Andrus, Jacob Bartlett, Amalya Bastida, Jaelyn Brown, Payton Canfield, Isabelle DeHerrera, Brody Fleurkens, Bryson Fleurkens, Chastaty Garcia-Zepeda, Alexys Hallatt, Izzlee Haney, Victor Hernandez Gutierrez,  Cooper Kriete, Kimberly Ortiz, Michael Park, Charles Poirrier, Madilynn Pruneda Gonzales, Yaritza Rodriguez Gomez, Kennedy Schafer, and Scarlett Uribe.

Coach Heather Wood recognized her squad's efforts and commitment in practices during the recent holidays for the strong showing.

"I credit the hard work and dedication from the team over break," Wood said. "We did adjust the routine a little bit also."

The Tigers have two more regional competitions to sharpen their routines before the state event, slated Feb. 6-7 at Battle Ground High School. They will travel to the Lobos Spirit Classic this Saturday, Jan. 17 at Sageview High School in Pasco, followed by the Battle at the Lake on Jan. 24 at Moses Lake High School.