BUENA VISTA, Fla. – For the first time in school history, both Washington State University's cheer squad and dance team, the Crimson Girls, advanced to the finals in the Division IA Coed and Division IA Jazz categories, respectively at the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) and Universal Dancers Association (UDA) College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championships, respectively, Jan. 12-14, at ESPN's Wide World of Sports at Orlando, Fla. 

"I couldn't be more proud, but the work isn't over quite yet," Spirit coordinator and head cheer coach, Chris Opheim said. "It feels tremendous to be able to say that. Our kids have put the work in this year, and they've earned this honor and chance to show the world what WSU Spirit is capable of."

Fourteen cheer squads made the final, and Washington State is the only Pac-12 school to advance. The Cougars had no deductions or drops in the semifinals, making them one of only two teams to accomplish that. WSU is joined in the finals by Minnesota, Western Kentucky, Oklahoma, Ohio State, Hawaii, Mississippi, Cincinnati, Kentucky, LSU, USF, Michigan State, Alabama and UCF. The Cougars will perform at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. 

"There were a lot of really great teams this year," Crimson Girls coach, Kaila Wallace said. "We feel very lucky to get another shot to perform our routines again for an even greater shot at placing well."

The Crimson Girls advanced to the finals Saturday for the second-straight year and are one of 12 to advance. WSU is one of two Pac-12 schools in the finals, as the Crimson Girls are joined by Arizona State. The Crimson Girls also had no deductions and will perform in the finals at 11:09 a.m. ET/8:09 a.m. PT, Sunday.