Bulldogs upbeat for cheerdance tilt

MANILA, Philippines - National University is all geared up for its biggest battle outside of the hard court, its brave 25-member crew all set to accomplish a mission ­– win the UAAP Season 76 Cheerdance Competition.

The NU Bulldogs Pep Squad said it took them two years to finally put together the pieces of a grand show that could rival those of past champions FEU and UST and three-time defending titlist UP, confident of its chances to finally join the elite circle of UAAP cheerdance winners.

“That’s our mission… to join the best of this 19-year-old cheerdance league,” said NU assistant coach Gabby Bajacan. “Now, we can say that this team is at its peak.”

The much awaited event will be held tomorrow at the MOA Arena.

NU made an aggressive recruitment program the last two years, searching the whole country for talents before coming up with a roster composed of gymnasts, dancers and cheerleaders.

With a battlecry of “6-3-1,” referring to their climb from sixth place in 2011 to second runner-up last year, the Sampaloc-based squad is optimistic they can finally barge into the championship column.

“As in other sports in the UAAP, the school went all-out to support us in this mission. NU really means business,” said Bajacan.

The NU management, whose cagers are currently leading the race in the Final Four, not only takes pride in their vastly improved sports programs, but also with their educational system that has improved by leaps and bounds.       

Something that Mindanaoan cheerdance recruit Aiza Aleman is taking advantage of.

“We’re one of the less-fortunate families from Mindanao that’s why I really didn’t expect to be able to study, much more in Manila,” said Aleman in Pilipino. “I really want to help the team win since this is one of my dreams.”

Indeed, NU is enjoying a more enhanced educational and sports programs, something that their pep squad wants to emphasize and epitomize when they take center stage tomorrow.

“This is it. I am very confident of our chances. We are ready for the big time,” said NU head coach Ghicka Bernabe, a former FEU Tamaraw starflyer.