Suffolk News-Herald

Two years ago, the Nansemond-Suffolk Academy cheerleading squad took first place in the TCIS tournament. This year, they hope to make it a new tradition. If the Lady Saints have their way, the tradition will last forever.

If the other teams think they’re as good as the Suffolk team, says NSA – &uot;Whatever!&uot;

&uot;We’ve been working very, very hard,&uot; said junior Elizabeth Rawls, a member of the 2002-winning group, and we have a great routine. If it all hits, we’re going to win, no questions asked.&uot;

The tournament will take place Saturday at Norfolk Christian. The Lady Saints finished third last year, behind the host Lady Ambassadors and Catholic.

&uot;Now that you’ve seen us,&uot; chant the girls, &uot;you know we’re the best! If you think you can beat us… dream on!&uot;

It hasn’t been the healthiest of years for the NSA cheerers; since September, the team has been racked by fractured elbows, shoulders, feet, and all sorts of stunting injuries, many of which involve the back or, in the case of senior Brooke Martin, the shoulder.

&uot;The adrenaline helps you forget about the pain,&uot; said Martin, who aggravated an old separated shoulder earlier this year. &uot;You don’t think about the pain, you think about the team. You just slap some ice on it and keep going.&uot;

Hollis Gwaltney, Brooke Perry and Jordan Hall will also be making their final TCIS appearances as NSA cheerers. &uot;This is our last year, so we’re giving everyone support, because we want to win,&uot; Gwaltney said. &uot;We know we can do it!&uot;