MANILA — The National University (NU) Pep Squad made a compelling case as one of the best cheerdance teams in the university ranks having bagged a fourth consecutive championship on Saturday.

From a prehistoric-style production in the 2015 competition to this year's futuristic display, NU seemed to have traveled through time.

Eleunel Suan, NU's team captain, said the theme was meant to show how the squad "drastically" moves forward to reach its goals.

He said the NU Pep Squad went through intense training to achieve the elusive four-peat, a milestone only the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe has achieved.

"The training was really difficult. More injuries but we were able to cope," he said in an interview with ABS-CBN News.

NU was awarded 711 points, en route to the title, which seemed to have silence doubters.

NU's title last year was marred with controversy after University of the Philippines protested the results.

Suan said the issue pushed them to work and train harder.

"Because of what happened last year, a lot of people were bashing us," he said. "So what we did was to really prepare for this year beginning this summer."

Suan added that the team chose not to be disheartened by the detractors. "Instead of giving in to the negativity, we looked at the positive," he said. "It became a source of encouragement for us."

"This win is NU's fifth overall title and Suan's squad doesn't plan on relinquishing its throne."

"Our goal is to defend and defend our title," he said.

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