The Hawaii Pacific University cheerleading team took home the program’s eighth all-time national title at the National Cheerleading Association national championships in Daytona, Fla., on Friday.

HPU, which won six straight national titles in cheer from 2003 to 2008, prevailed for the first time since 2012 with a 92.7037 score in Advanced Small Coed Division II at the Bandshell amphitheater.

Limestone (S.C.) University finished runner-up with a 91.9306.

The Sharks recorded a 90.8426 on Day 1 to stand in third among nine teams competing in the division. According to HPU, the Sharks had scores deducted due to a tumbling touchdown, a stunt fall and technique mistakes.

“After (Day 1) of competition we had to make some adjustments per the judges’ score sheet and worked hard after competing to increase our (Day 2) score,” coach James Burns said in HPU’s news release. “We really wanted to focus on our execution of skills and overall impression. With the additional work we put in, we were able to accomplish our goal of continuing the strong legacy that Hawaii Pacific University has at NCA Daytona Collegiate Cheer Nationals. We are very thankful for the opportunity we had to attend this event again and show the world HPU is back!”

Brian McInnis covers the state's sports scene for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at brian.mcinnis@charter.com.