The National University Pep Squad are back on top of the UAAP Cheerdance Competition, reclaiming the trophy after a superb Mexican-themed performance at the Mall of Asia Arena Saturday.
Coming off a fourth-place finish last season, NU bounced back in style with a routine inspired by the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) holiday depicted in the Disney movie Coco.
The newly-crowned champion dominated all categories, garnering a total score of 711, to take home its fifth title in six years.
The FEU Cheering Squad (655.5) strutted their way to the silver medal with a funky 70s performance, returning to the podium after missing out last year.
Defending champion Adamson Pep Squad (638.5) settled for bronze as they roared with a Lion King-inspired routine.
The UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe (638), last year's first runner-up, slid down to fourth place. The UE Pep Squad (602.5), meanwhile, finished in number five after a breakthrough bronze finish last season.
The UP Pep Squad (568.5), the winningest team alongside UST with eight titles, landed in sixth place for the second straight year.
The Ateneo Blue Babble Batallion (558) and the the DLSU Animo Squad (459.5) ended up in seventh and eighth place, respectively.
The NU Pep Squad also reigned supreme in the Group Stunts Category, while the FEU Cheering Squad (2nd) and the Adamson Pep Squad (3rd) completed the podium finishers.