VERGENNES — The Vergennes Union High School cheer squad took third in Division II at the Vermont state champion competition on Saturday in front of a big crowd in their own gym, an audience that also applauded two cheerleading dynasties that continued to rule in D-I and D-II.

The Rutland High cheerleading squad won its ninth consecutive D-I state title on Saturday afternoon, while Mill River claimed its sixth straight D-II crown.

In winning D-II, Mill River actually outpointed their Rutland High neighbors to become the highest scoring squad at the competition, 193-192.5.

BFA-Fairfax edged VUHS for second in D-II with a score of 148 to the Commodores’ 147.

Mount Anthony was right on Rutland’s heels in D-I with a score of 188, and South Burlington finished not far behind in third in 176.

Teams earning scores in a competition sanctioned by the Vermont Principals’ Association this winter is eligible to compete at the New England Championships, which will be held in Worcester, Mass., on March 18.

Vergennes joined the two winners in qualifying, as did Mount Anthony, St. Johnsbury, Essex and Poultney.

The members of the Commodore team are seniors Arielle Dumont, Heather Dwire, Lacey Lazarski, Madison LaBerge and Natalie Bergeron; sophomores Bridgette Moralez-Giron and Katelyn LaBerge; and freshmen Riley Decell and Isabella Pratt.

Abbey Gendreau and Lydia Sabourin are the squad’s coaches.