Multi-titled cheer squad from Legarda are clearly new age favorites in the beloved UAAP event.
They may be under new management, but the NU Pep Squad remain clear contenders as the UAAP Cheerdance Competition (CDC) returns in UAAP Season 87 this Sunday, December 1, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Though with multi-titled coach Ghicka Bernabe already moving on from the team in 2022, the Legarda-based cheerers continued to show promise — as evidenced by their runner-up finish in 2023.
Seeking a league record-tying 8th CDC title which will put NU level with former powerhouses UP and UST with the most championships in the exhibition sport event, they will have to dig deep from their long-sustained success in recent years.
[RELATED:
Rivalry on the mats: UP, UST’s early dominance highlight rise of UAAP Cheerdance]
The pivot for National University began in 2012, when they landed on the podium for the first time in competition history, finishing third behind champions UP and runner-up FEU.
And the growth from that point on just skyrocketed thanks to Bernabe’s expertise.
Under her tutelage, NU won seven titles in the UAAP CDC in a span of 10 years — including four straight from 2013 to 2016.
Though Adamson was able to cut their streak in 2017, where an errant NU squad ended up just 5th in the competition, NU had their resurgence almost as quick winning back-to-back titles again in 2018 and 2019.
And despite FEU emerging as a new threat with two titles in the last three seasons, NU still has their foot in the door, finishing in the podium both times in 2021 and 2023.
Continuing on their new era without Bernabe, NU will need to dig deep in their championship identity to hopefully regain the crown.
Especially after losing only by .68 points to last year’s champions FEU, the NU Pep Squad will be raring to get things going on their home turf.
NU is set to perform 6th on event day where defending champions FEU Cheering Squad will close out the competition as they 8th squad to hit the mats.