THE National University (NU) Pep Squad impressed with a lively and synchronized “Cheer-obics” performance to win the University Athletic Association of the Philippinews Season 85 cheerdance crown before a jampacked SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.
Riding a strong showing in dance—which coach Ghicka Bernabe emphasized prior to the competition—stunts, pyramids and tosses—NU’s high-risk but high-reward performance earned 723 points to end Far Eastern University Cheering Squad’s six-month reign in the league’s biggest special event witnessed by18,029 fans.
The victory was a fitting send-off for Bernabe, who is stepping down as NU Pep Squad head coach after this season as she enters married life.
“My happiness is bigger than this arena,” said Bernabe, who steered NU to seven titles in nine seasons. “It’s a milestone for me as a coach.”.
Paying homage to the late great rap artist Francis M., FEU clinched 719 points, thanks to its solid tumbling performance.
“This first runner-up finish is bonus for us,” FEU coach Randel San Gregorio said.
A Lady Gaga-inspired performance gave University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe’s best performance in five years for a third-place finish with 640 points.
With seven titles, NU moved closer to UST and University of the Philippines (UP) Pep Squad, which own the most cheerdance titles with eight each.
University of the East Pep Squad placed fourth with 606.5, followed by Adamson University Pep Squad (595), UP (575.5), De La Salle Animo Squad (528.5) and Ateneo Blue Eagles (502.5).