With the Section 1AAA competition fast approaching, the Prior Lake dance team was back in competition Jan. 6.

The Lakers faced a strong field at the Edina Invitational and earned a pair of top-four finishes, including taking third in jazz funk out of 13 teams.

Prior Lake finished with nine rank points, while the host Hornets won (4), followed by Lakeville North (5). Spring Lake Park was fourth (12).

In high kick, the Lakers ended up fourth out of 13 programs with 11.5 rank points. Lakeville North won (3), followed by Spring Lake Park (7) and Chanhassen (9), while Edina was fifth (13).

The Lakers will compete in the Wayzata Invitational Jan. 20 and will end the regular season Jan. 27 at the Eastview Showcase.

The Section 1AAAA meet is set for Feb. 10 at Bloomington Kennedy. The top three teams in each high kick and jazz funk make the state field. The Lakers have qualified in jazz five straight years, finishing a program-best fifth at state last year.

Prior Lake is still seeking its first-ever trip to state in high kick, finishing fourth at sections the last two years behind Eastview, Lakeville North and Lakeville South.