The National University (NU) Pep Squad stepped out of the shadows of the powers that be from the bygone era of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Cheerdance Competition.

It is now the one setting the standard for the rest of the field as the undisputed benchmark of excellence in the much-anticipated and crowd-drawing spectator event.   

NU wrote history by winning a record ninth crown after ruling the Season 88 edition of the competition on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The M.F. Jhocson-based cheerdance crew received 695 points from the judges, leading its closest rival by a mile.

True to his words, NU second-year head coach Gab Bacajan put together a fast-paced routine and gambled with high-risk, high-reward stunts that left spectators collectively holding their breath in every twist and turn.

Executing its tumbling cleanly, upping the ante in aerial acrobatics, flaunting its dance skills and showing off a high degree of difficulty in its towers and pyramids, the NU Pep Squad ate and left no crumbs for the competition.

The NU Pep Squad became the most bemedalled team in the event, surpassing traditional powerhouses University of the Philippines and University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe, both holding eight.

“We’re able to realize more what our purpose is and to whom this championship is for. We’re now even more united. This is for our community and to those who believe in us,” Bacajan said.

NU topped in the tosses (81 points), pyramids (87 points), overall dance effect (37.5) and dance group execution (69.5) categories and only had five penalties and deductions.

“All our hard work, effort and sacrifices are worth it. And we’re very thankful we’re able to deliver our performance well and everyone’s safe. It’s fulfilling that we finished our journey on a sweet note,” NU skipper Iris Arendain said.

The Adamson University Pep Squad, with their exploration-themed run, earned a silver medal after garnering 659 points, narrowly beating the bronze medalist Far Eastern University Cheering Squad’s nostalgic Filipino childhood games routine (658.5 points).

Adamson’s routine had minimal deductions with just two, a huge factor in edging FEU, which saw the most penalties with 22.

This year’s podium placement mirrored the result from last season.

Placing fourth were the University of the East Pep Squad (623), followed by UST (618.5), UP (558), the De La Salle Animo Squad (546.5) and the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles Pep Squad (436.5).