The winter guard team improved from past performances to claim 4th place out of 6 at the Clovis East show, March 11.

The team earned a total of 75.4 points, falling about five points behind the 2nd- and 3rd-place winners, according to coach Lacey Miranda. Though not achieving a spot in the top three, the girls increased their previous score by 8.4 points.

In preparation for the performance, the team held practice almost every day. Captain Jessica Massie, ’11, said this strategy helped boost their score.

“We improved so much, and all the girls were so much more confident,” Massie said. “They all worked so hard for that show and it really showed. The judges commented on how much better everything looked.”

Despite some errors, Massie said she is pleased with the score and expects a better result at the next competition.

“Of course there were mistakes,” Massie said. “But the girls just kept smiling, and the judges gave us points for that. I am so proud of all the girls and I am expecting our score to only go up from here!”

The next performance will be held at Clovis North on March 26. The team will perform at 6:56 p.m., following the guard from Arroyo Grande. The price for admission is $8 for adults and $5 for students.

For more information on scores and schedules, check out the San Joaquin Valley Color Guard and Percussion Review Web site.