Chiefsquad chalks up five-peat

MANILA, Philippines — Arellano University’s mighty reign as NCAA kings and queens of cheerleading was extended to a fifth straight year after ruling Season 99 Wednesday before a packed crowd at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

The Chiefsquad’s routine was clean as a whistle, and impressed both the judges and the field, amassing 253.5 points in claiming a magnificent five-peat feat in the event.

It was the sixth crown over seven cheerdance editions overall for the Legarda-based institution as the Chiefsquad closed in on the league standard of nine crowns owned by University of Perpetual Help.

The UPHSD Altas Pep Squad dished out what looked like a tougher routine but, with errors here and errors there, settled for second with a score of 231.5 points.

It was the Las Piñas-based cheerleaders’ fifth straight runner-up finish and sixth in the last seven editions.

Letran took third place for the second season in a row with 206 points.

The Dominican cheerleaders then dedicated the podium finish to their late coach Arnold Villanueva, who passed away last February.

Meanwhile, Season 99 host Jose Rizal U, represented by Management Committee chairman Paul Supan, passed the hosting rights to Lyceum of the Philippines through Hercules Callanta.

Callanta said Season 100 has been tentatively set to open on Aug. 17.