MANILA, Philippines — They were on the verge of tying the record for the most number of wins.
And why not? They proved that they were in a class of their own when they dominated the 2016 UAAP Cheerdance Competition.
But in the 2017 edition at the Mall of Asia Arena Saturday, a different story was written.
Perhaps it was the fabled “curse of the first performer”—that no first to showcase their wares has ever won the competition. Or perhaps it was the pressure that their fiercest rival UP Pep Squad was back in action.
But after five years in the podium, including four straight championships, National University settled for a fourth place finish.
"Siguro 'yung mga chances lang namin, may kaba na ‘di ko kayang i-predict" head coach Ghicka Bernabe said when asked what went wrong for them.
The multi-titled mentor said she still doesn't believe in the “curse” and that she was hopeful they will still land a place in the podium despite a few opening falls.
Bernabe also noted that she continues to believe in her members and that she hopes their descent from the podium serves as a wake-up call.
"Ayokong maapektuhan ang mga bata because I know na magaling ang mga players ko." she said.
Bernabe did not forget to congratulate Adamson, who she said is very much like them.
"I'm very happy sa Adamson kasi para silang NU—from third to champion. And I'm happy for (University of the East) kasi matagal sila nawala sa podium."