AdU soars to fame, finally

MANILA, Philippines — Adamson Pep Squad effected a changing of the guard in the UAAP Cheerdance Competition as it dislodged fancied National U Pep Squad from the championship with a dazzling 80s-themed performance at a packed MOA Arena last night.

Executing a near-flawless routine to the danceable music of VST and Company, the cheerleaders from San Marcelino waltzed their way to their first-ever CDC crown in front of a 19,851-strong crowd and established a new order in the annual competition.

“It’s a magical feeling. Even during my cheerleading days from 2007-12, it was always UP, UST, and NU,” said AdU coach Jam Lorenzo.

Adamson earned a winning 663.50 points, topping the charts in pyramid and stunts and submitting a second-best score in dance. University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troop finished second with 638.50 followed by University of the East Pep Squad with 634.50.

Fancied NU Pep Squad, which was gunning for a fifth straight crown, plummeted to fourth with a 610.50 tally, the same output of Far Eastern U Cheering Squad. NU went with an “under the sea” theme but errors in risky moves eventually pulled it down.

University of the Philippines Pep Squad, which made its return after skipping last year’s hostilities as a form of protest, wound up sixth with 575.50. La Salle Animo Squad and Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion brought up the rear with 567.50 and 558, respectively.

The AdU Pep Squad proved its third place finish last year was no fluke.

“That was a stepping stone for us,” said Lorenzo. “After last year, we wanted to do more difficult routines this time,” he said.

Adamson also grabbed a silver in the Group Stunts category behind winner FEU Cheering Squad.