Molahiettes preview state routines

MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake community was able to see the Molahiettes perform for perhaps the final time this season.

The dance-drill team showcased the kick, pom and military routines at Moses Lake High School before the Molahiettes travel to Yakima Friday in search of three state championships.

The team has been grinding since August with practices at 6:15 a.m.

But it seems as if those early mornings have paid off as the Molahiettes are poised to add to their 12 total state championships.

"I'm just really proud of the girls and all their hard work and what they've accomplished this year," coach Lori Baker said. "And all we ask is they do their best at state whatever it ends up as I'll be happy. They've worked hard, they've accomplished a lot and I couldn't ask for more than that as a coach."

Earlier in the season, the Molahiettes traveled to Orlando, FLA. to face some of the best dance-drill teams in the nation.

Coming as a shock to some - including Baker - the Molahiettes were crowned Grand National Champions for the first time in the team's storied history.

However, the job isn't complete yet as the Molahiettes still want to be revered as the top drill-dance team in Washington.

"It would mean just as much," Baker said. "That's really what we work for is for our state. The national championship is sort of frosting on the cake. What we really hope to win is a state championship and show the teams in Washington we're number one."

The bleachers were packed as there was an outpouring of support for the girls by those in attendance. Moses Lake has constantly cheered on the Molahiettes, whether it be at the halftime of football games or the halftime of basketball games.

And the team repaid that support with one final preview before the state championships.

"We're really grateful to the community," Baker said. "They have been so supportive this year and the girls have amazing families that have supported them and gotten them to all the places they need to be and helped raise money. That's why the team is successful because we have such a good support system."

The state championships begin Friday March 28 at the Yakima Sun Dome.