By NIKOLE JAVIER
FEU Cheering Squad put on a powerful and entertaining performance on Saturday, Dec. 2, to stun heavy favorite National University Pep Squad and reclaim the UAAP Cheerdance Competition (CDC) crown at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Making the 18,122 spectators cheer and dance to its video game “Super Mario” themed routine, FEU let it all out on the floor to complete its redemption bid following a runner-up finish last year to the NU Pep Squad.
It was FEU’s fourth title of the year, thus boosting its bid for the overall championship.
Battling head-to-head for the top finish in the last seven seasons, FEU narrowly edged out the eight-peat-seeking NU by tallying 702 points in six categories, just five points ahead of dethroned champion.
NU, handled now by coach Gabriel Bajacan following the departure of many-time champion coach Ghicka Bernabe, rocked the floor with its rendition of the “King of Rock and Roll” Elvis Presly’s greatest hits much to the delight of the old fans.
NU, however, had to settle for the runner-up finish this time.
UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe also made it to the podium after energizing the crowd to the tunes of Korean girl group Blackpink and finished 684 points.
This will be UST’s back-to-back third place finish after returning to the top pecking order in Season 85.
Meanwhile, Adamson Pep Squad missed the podium for the second consecutive season following a 665-point finish.
Adamson showed off with a stunning performance inspired by the film “Trolls”.
Eight-time champion UP Pep Squad garnered only 602 points to land in fifth place.
The Katipunan-based team took the fans to nice trip down memory lane and hit the floor to local band Eraserheads’ popular songs.
On the other hand, UE Pep Squad pulled off a fiery all anime-themed performance inspired by ‘90s cartoon Dragon Ball Z to end up in the sixth spot with 559 points.
UE had its last taste of the podium back in 2017 and has since slipped outside of the top three.
