Altas cheer squad makes it back-to-back

MANILA—Perpetual Help, despite a far from perfect routine, nailed its second straight NCAA Cheerleading Championship Friday before a roaring crowd at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.   With a routine inspired by the music of American pop group Pussycat Dolls, the Perps, garbed in maroon, silver and white costumes, collected a total of 300 out of a maximum 500 points to keep their crown ahead of Mapua, which finished with 290.5 points, and third placer Jose Rizal U (289.5).   “We were surprised,” said Perps squad coach Ruf Vandolph Rosario. “We knew we did well, but we made mistakes with our pyramids.”   Rosario attributed their win to the high degree of difficulty of their routine, which he said, compensated for their mistakes.   It was the second title for the Perps this year, after ruling the FilOil Flying V Cheerleading Competition last June.   The Perps have already collected five NCAA cheerleading competition crowns since 2005.   The victory made up for the disappointing season of its seniors basketball team, which finished tied with Emilio Aguinaldo College at last place with a 2-14 record.   San Sebastian wound up fourth with 275 points, while Emilio Aguinaldo finished fifth with 268 points.   Letran came in sixth with 267 points, followed by Arellano (246.5), St. Benilde (239.5) and San Beda (166.5).