The Fruitport competitive cheer squad was aiming for its third consecutive first-place finish on Saturday, but a rough third round ended up costing the Trojans.

They finished in third place at the Cedar Springs Invitational with 702.48 points, behind first-place Reeths-Puffer (711.6) and Cedar Springs (704.64).

Fruitport had a 222 score in Round 1 (execution), 203.48 in Round 2 (overall skills) and 277 in Round 3 (stunts).

The Trojans were in second place after the second round, but a few mishaps in stunts pushed them to third.

“The team came ready, but just fell short in Round 3,” said Fruitport Coach Saqora Conklin. “They know what we need to fix for our competition on Wednesday, and I know it’ll fuel that fire in them!”

Coach Conklin gave a special nod to senior Dalani Knuppenburg, who had to learn a new position at the last minute and performed very well.

“This isn’t the only time she’s done this for us and executed well,” Conklin said. “She’s a huge asset and strong leader for this team! We can always count on her!”

Conklin also credited senior Brynleigh Tenhove, who performed well coming back from injury, and freshman Brystol Tenhove, who was thrown into the Round 2 lineup at the last minute and came through for the team.

The Trojans will compete in an O-K Silver conference meet at Hopkins on Wednesday.