Will it be cheers or tears for Bulldogs

MANILA, Philippines -  The National U Bulldogs Pep Squad’s title retention bid in UAAP Season 77 Cheerdance Competition hit a snag following injuries to its members compounded by eligibility issues three days before the keenly awaited event is held Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Mainstays John Cleon Cepillo, Justice Gimeno and Marnelli Calleja suffered injuries during the course of their daily training, forcing the coaching staff to adjust some of their routines to accommodate the three new members.

“Right now, we are making some adjustments. John suffered a sprain last Monday that’s why we had to tap new members for the stunts,” said NU Pep Squad team manager Patricia Chunsim.

“Justice and Marnelli collided in mid-air while doing a routine and we had to rush them to the hospital. Good thing there were no serious injuries. But hopefully they can still compete on Sunday,” said Chunsim.

Another member, Rev Lictana, was deemed ineligible to compete in the group of five stunts, where the Bulldogs are also the defending champions, behind the “exorcism stunt” performed by starflyer Claire Cristobal last year.

The UAAP board found Lictana to exceed his playing years with the school.

“Rev is a big loss since he’s the most veteran that’s why we had to adjust in some of our routines,” said Cristobal.

With these developments, the SM Group of Companies-backed NU Pep Squad is forced to re-align its performance routine.

“We don’t have a choice but to make the necessary adjustments. Our former lifters will now take over the stunts and vice versa,” said NU head coach Ghicka Bernabe.

The Bulldogs dished out an impressive Arabian-themed routine last year to run away with the championship on a 696.5-point score last year.

“Pressure is always there whether or not we are hit by injuries but we always take it as a challenge,” said NU Pep Squad Precious Lorraine Chavez.

“It’s really tough to suffer injuries days before the competition but we hope to adjust well as we always do,” she added.