News release Public Information Office   SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu     www.selu.edu/news Contact: Christina Chapple Date: 11/20/03   LIONETTES RECEIVE PAID BID TO NATIONAL UDA CHAMPIONSHIP       HAMMOND -- The Lionettes, Southeastern Louisiana University’s dance team, have been awarded a paid bid to compete in the Universal Dance Association’s College National Championship in Orlando, Fla.       Based on their videotaped entry, the 11-member team was judged one of the top two entries in UDA’s Division I. The top-two status entitles the team to have their trip expenses picked up by the UDA, said Co-Captain Kim Dottolo of Hammond.       Dottolo said 26 Division I teams submitted video entries and 20 received invitations to the national competition.       “This is a big accomplishment for us,” she said. “This is only our fourth year to go to nationals. To be judged that highly going into the competition is something to be excited about.”       The competition will be held at Disney World January 16-18.       The Lionettes placed eighth in the national championships in 2002 and third in 2003. This summer, the dancers placed first in “home routine” category for Division I schools at the UDA’s Spirit Camp. The team also received the “Most Improved Program Award.”       Lionettes are Dottolo and co-captain Crystal Canepa, Meraux; Danielle Mistric, Baton Rouge; Katherine D’Antonio, Kenner; Erin Richard, Carencro; Heather Canepa, Meraux; Brandi Taylor, Bogalusa; Ashley Guidry, Marrero; Alison Camp, Rayne; Jessy Shaw, Slidell; and Shiloh Klein, Hammond. Return to News Releases