MANILA, Philippines — National U Pep Squad bit back hard at the opposition after its shock fall from the throne last year, reclaiming the UAAP Cheerdance Competition crown with a clean execution of a Mexican-themed number yesterday at a packed MOA Arena.
Denied of a five-peat and settling for only sixth the previous CDC, the Bulldogs rebounded strong and performed a dazzling, flawless performance of their “Day of the Dead” theme from the Disney movie “Coco” to win the judges over and return to the top with a winning 711 points over Far Eastern U Cheering Squad (655.5) and 2017 champion Adamson Pep Squad, which took bronze this time with 638.5.
“Iyung pagkatalo namin last year, doon kami humugot ng lakas,” said NU captain Kevin Lacbong. “Ayaw na namin maramdaman iyung naramdaman namin last year kaya nagsikap kami, gutom na gutom kami na manalo.”
The Bulldogs made a strong case for their return to No. 1 by topping the dance (369.5), tumbling (89), stunts (88.5) and pyramid (87) categories while netting a solid score of 77 in tosses. They didn’t get any penalty deduction to boot.
The Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe, runners-up last season, settled for fourth this time with 638 points, followed by University of the East Pep Squad (602), University of the Philippine Pep Squad (568.5), Ateneo Blue Babble Batallion (558) and La Salle Animo Squad (459.5).
It was a golden double for NU as it also ruled the Group Stunts Competition, dislodging FEU and taking its second crown in three years.