Lady Bulldogs star back for cheerdance contest

Pep Squad star Claire Cristobal hopes to buck a recent injury when National University defends its double crown in the UAAP cheerdance competition this Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“There are still times I get worried because I kept thinking about what happened,” said Cristobal, who sustained a back injury after a bad fall in the team’s recent practice.

Last season, NU captured its first cheerdance championship after stunning traditional favorites University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University.

But the victory turned sweeter when NU also ruled the group stunts where Cristobal made a mark for her flexibility and amazing aerial split.

Tough challenge

“I’m expecting a tough challenge from our rivals,” said Cristobal. “But it’s OK. We’re proud that we have more to show.”

Cristobal, who will again lead the NU’s five-man group stunts crew, expects to top her incredible routine last year that made her popular on social media and got her booked in many events and television appearances.

“I’ll try to defend the crown for NU,” said Cristobal, a junior accounting student. “I promise [to show] more flexibility.”

Cristobal admits that she has been trying to overcome her fears as the pep squad tries to perfect its number.

“It has been a good avenue for me to push myself, to persevere despite the psychological trauma from the experience,” said Cristobal,

High expectations

NU team manager Patricia Chunsim also expects Cristobal, along with her teammates Nerisa Pangan, Reinato Ruiz, Jeffrey Reyes and Oliver Porlaez, to deliver on performance day.

“It’s a challenge for us not just to defend the team title, but also the group stunts,” said Chunsim “And I’m sure we’re ready to respond to that.”