The University of Northern Iowa dance team tied for eighth place in the nation at the 2008 Universal Cheer Association/Universal Dance Association (UCA/UDA) National Championships in Orlando, Fla.

UNI was one of 25 teams entered in the event. The Panthers then became one of 13 teams to qualify for the finals on Saturday.

It was the seventh appearance at the national championships since 1999. The Panthers set an all-time best in 2007 with a fifth-place finish.

Coverage of the event, held at the Indiana Jones Theatre at Disney's MGM Studios, can be found at www.varsity.com.

FINAL STANDINGS
1. California State University - Fullerton
2. California State University - Long Beach
3. Idaho State University
4. North Dakota State University
5. University of California - Santa Barbara
6. University of South Alabama
7. St John's University
8. University of Northern Iowa
Missouri State University
10. University of California - Davis
University of Delaware
12. Hofstra University
13. Oakland University