Arellano, Perpetual lead cast in NCAA cheerleading today

MANILA, Philippines — Arellano University and University of Perpetual Help System Dalta are expected to come out on top and fight it out again in today’s 94th NCAA cheerleading competition at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Chief Squad and the Perps Squad have alternated in finishing champion and runner-up the last six seasons, with the former turning back the latter in a close contest a year ago to seal the cheerleading crown with 234.50 points.

It was the Legarda-based school’s third overall in the last four seasons and if it reigns supreme anew today, at 2 p.m., it will also book its third straight crown.

UPHSD gave it all last year and nearly pulled it off before winding up a close second with 226 points, or merely 6.5 points behind.

Expect the Perps Squad though to put up another strong challenge as it eyes its 10th title in the 15-year history of the meet.

The last time UPHSD beat AU for the title was three years ago when the former scored 195 to defeat the latter by only two points.

And it hopes to win it again this year.

Other teams are last year’s third placer San Beda Red Corps, Letran’s Lakas Arriba Cheerleading Team, Saint Benilde’s Pep Squad, the Emilio Aguinaldo College’s  Generals Pep Squad, Jose Rizal’s Pep Squad,  Lyceum, Mapua Cheerping Cardinals  and SSC’s Golden Stags Cheerleading Squad.

Meanwhile, the league will fete the champion teams in all sports disciplines and overall champion San Beda in awarding ceremonies set at 4 p.m.