INDIANAPOLIS – The Saint Xavier University dance team opened the 2026 season at the Marian University (Ind.) Dance Invite Saturday afternoon in Indianapolis, Ind. The Cougars performed well, finishing fifth out of seven teams with a total team score of 83.54. Madonna University (Mich.) posted the top mark at 88.00.
- SXU featured a lineup of senior Perla Leon (Chicago, Ill./Richards), junior Emily Hovanes (Manteno, Ill./Manteno Community), junior Kayeann Ventura (Tinley Park, Ill./Lincoln-Way East), sophomore Peyton Dobush (New Lenox, Ill./Lincoln-Way West), freshman Emmonie Lindsey (Crest Hill, Ill./Plainfield Central), freshman Aldo Pozos (Posen, Ill./Bremen) and freshman Cheyenne Rhoades (Oak Lawn, Ill./Homeschool).
- Saint Xavier recorded a raw score of 66.83 and was bumped up to 83.54 after adjustment. They did not receive any deductions.
- The Cougars performed three routines; Jazz, Pom and Hip Hop. SXU had 10's from all three judges in collegiate image, and averaged a score of 9.36 for overall performance impressions with two marks of 9.4.
- In Jazz, Saint Xavier averaged a score 8.13 in execution with a top score of 84, along with an average mark of 8.1 in choreography with a pair of 8.2 scored. For Pom, the Cougars logged an average of 7.9 in execution with high 8.2, while they came away with an average tally of 7.8 in choreography with a top score of 8.0. In Hip Hop, the SXU posted an average of 7.9 with a high of 8.2, while in choreography they recorded an average score of 7.6 and a high of 7.8.
Saint Xavier takes part in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) Meet on Saturday, February 7 in Livonia, Mich. hosted by Madonna at the Alliance Catholic Credit Union Arena.
