INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines--With their hair-raising tosses and stunts, the University of Perpetual Help Altas Perpsquad bagged the 2009 NCAA Cheerleading Champions crown with a score of 335 points Wednesday at the Arena in San Juan.

The Altas Perpsquad, which finished fifth last year, won P90,000 in cash and digital cameras this season.

Jose Rizal University Pep Squad, who was last year's champion, failed to defend its crown and wound up first runner-up with 311 points and a cash prize of P55,000.

Guest school Emilio Aguinaldo College Pep Squad placed second runner-up with 244 points and took home P45,000.

Jojo Caballes of Angeles University Foundation received the Samsung Stunner Award.

"We're inspired with the clash dance theme like Angela Velez and Regine Tolentino's performance," said Ruf Vandolph Rosario, 23-year-old head coach of the Altas Perpsquad.

Rosario, who started as a choreographer in Perpetual in 2005, said they trained their dance routine for one year.

"Yung dance namin at music laging may kwento. Saka mahalaga yung gymnastics skills ng mga dancers (our dance steps and music always have a theme. The gymnastic skills of dancers is also vital)," said Rosario.

The Altas Perpsquad also won the FilOil Flying V Cheerdance Competitions and the National Cheerleading Championship early this year.