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Aitkin, which placed sixth in Class A in 2005, won Section 4A in precision/high kick, followed by Melrose in second and Duluth Marshall in third.

Injury and illness plagued the Bullettes this season, said coaches Jeanne Virant and Barb Werlinger. "The team of 15 worked hard, danced to the best of their ability, and overcame weekly challenges of injury and illness," they said. "We spent a lot of time reworking the routine to fill the holes left by girls who were down to be ready to compete. It really hurt our ability to place well."

The Bullettes - PAHS's varsity dance team - completed their season at the Section 4A meet on Saturday in Aitkin. Above, team members - including (front) senior Amanda Skalicky, junior Amanda Lieser, and senior Kelly Herzberg - dance during halftime on Tuesday, Jan. 31.

Placing ninth in the section does not tell the whole story of the success of the team's season, according to the coaches.

This year, 15 girls comprise the PAHS Bullettes: seniors Katie Bertram, Kelly Herzberg, Melanie Mages, LeAnn Nepsund, Megan Reeck (captain), Amanda Skalicky (captain), Kacie Wander, and Lindsey Wyffels; juniors Tawny Bengtson and Amanda Lieser; sophomores Sue Albrecht, Bre Engler, Casandra Hoekstra, and Ashley Ogdahl; and ninth grader Kaitlin Burlingame.