Arellano foils Perpetual for cheerleading crown

MANILA, Philippines—Arellano University stole the thunder from defending champion Perpetual Help, delivering a difficult yet almost flawless routine to wrest the NCAA Cheerleading title Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Graceful with its execution, the Chiefs pulled off some of the toughest stunts in a performance that gave them 405.5 points, edging the Perps Squad by just a point with 404.5.

The Chiefs squad performed first, putting pressure on the rest of the field. All eyes were on the Perps Squad, which was seeking to extend their reign to a sixth year, but a routine littered with mistakes cost them the crown.

College of St. Benilde’s Green Peppers claimed third spot with 359.5 points.

“We felt the pressure performing first but I told them to set the bar high,” said Arellano coach Lucky San Juan in Filipino. “We showed that we deserved to be champions.”

Arellano U pocketed the top prize worth P100,000.