UAAP CDC: Defending champ UP Pep Squad settles for second

The University of the Philippines Pep Squad failed to secure their fourth straight championship in the 2013 UAAP Cheerdance Competition last Sunday at the MOA Arena, but it surely did not seem to dampen the multi-awarded team's spirit.

After being announced as the first runner-up, the UP crowd even started to cheer for eventual winners, National University, in the true spirit of sportsmanship.

The team was not surprised to still come out with a podium finish this year, even with several miscues plaguing the team's routine.

"Actually hindi, kasi parang mataas talaga yung difficulty ng stunts namin this year," said UP Pep co-captain Lian Melegrito. "And if we base talaga sa scoring, even with yung tatlong falls, talagang mataas parin yung hatak dahil sa difficulty at sa linis rin at technique."

Melegrito added that the team went all out with their preparation:

"Iba yung efforts namin this year. Hindi kami nagkulang sa effort. We did our best. The coaching staff, nandyan sila all throughout; talagang ginawa namin yung best namin so di talaga kami nag lack sa effort."

The team also vows to re-claim their title next year.

"Like in 2009, expect a hungrier UP next year," Melegrito said. "Di kami sanay ng nagse-settle for lower than the championship. Get ready for us next year." - AMD, GMA News