NU Pep Squad dominates UAAP Cheerdance for 6th title in 7 years

MANILA, Philippines — National University displayed its utter dominance once again, claiming the gold medal in the UAAP Season 82 Cheerdance Competition Sunday at Mall of Arena.

The NU Pep Squad, the most dominant dance troupe in the UAAP this decade, won its sixth title in seven years with its fifth-place finish in 2017 the only bad mark in that stretch.

With a Philippine pop culture theme, NU mesmerized in its performance, proving once again that its group is on a class of its own and earning a total of 722 points.

NU didn’t immediately show its brilliance in the opening routine but stepped up mightily when it turned its signature Scorpion poses, usually seen atop pyramids, into a transition for a difficult toss execution.

It then followed it up with an awe-inspiring toss to pyramid execution as the NU Pep Squad lined up to the tune of the PBA’s “Ito ang Liga” theme song for its 40th season.

The NU Pep Squad, which also won P50,000 in cash prize, also displayed an impeccable dance routine as well as tumblings but their pyramids were where they showed their class.

“I know all of our members, each and every one of them, are all skilful but more importantly they do everything with heart,” said NU head coach Ghicka Bernabe.

Far Eastern University, which came in second scoring a total of 706 points, with a thrilling Michael Jackson theme while 2017 champion Adamson University was at third with 658.5 points, had Caribbean-inspired routine.

The FEU Cheering Squad had a powerful dance routine and capped its performance with an homage to the “King of Pop” with a Moonwalk atop a pyramid.

The Adamson Pep Squad had a smooth start to their routine executing well on the pyramids and on the floor and were poised to have a strong end to their performance if not for a botched finish in their last formation.

Eight-time champion University of Santo Tomas came in at fourth with 650 points while University of the East was at fifth with 645 points.

University of the Philippines, which is tied with UST for most titles, was at sixth with 622.5 points.

Ateneo, 593 points, and De La Salle, 577.5 points, were at seventh and eighth respectively.