Perps Squad bags eighth crown

MANILA, Philiippines — The Perpetual Help Perps Squad isn’t resting on its laurels.

Fresh from winning its fifth straight NCAA cheerleading title, the Perps Squad tries to complete a rare double when it vies in the prestigious National Cheerleading Championship at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay late this month.

The Perps are expected to face stiff opposition with the country’s best teams, including those from the UAAP, vying in the event. But coach Ruf Vandolph Rosario feels his team is ready for the challenge.

“Hopefully, we can make the school proud again by winning this next event we’re joining,” said Rosario shortly after the Perps Squad were adjudged champions of the NCAA.

The victory was the Perps’ eighth in the 10-year history of the competition. The dynasty, Rosario said, can only be attributed to the hardwork and sacrifice of the squads he has handled as well as the support of the school’s athletic department led by the father-and-son tandem of Antonio and Anthony Tamayo.

“From the start, we always preach the wisdom of hardwork, discipline and faith in each other’s ability,” said Rosario,

“But all of these will not happen without the support of the school, Perpetual Help, and our officials who all made sure that we got what we needed,”

A captivating routine saw the Perps step up the degree of difficulty on every toss, acrobatic stunt, pyramid, cartwheel, dance and jump.

Perpetual scored 480.8 points, beating the Arellano U Chiefs, the Mapua Cheerping Cardinals and the Lyceum Pirates.

Arellano U ended up second with 468 points while Mapua (460.5) and Lyceum (450.5) finished third and fourth.

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