The University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe (UST SDT) finished fifth in the UAAP Season 87 Cheerdance Competition, marking their worst performance in 11 years.
According to UAAP data, UST SDT scored a total of 634.5 points, falling out of the top four for the first time since their seventh-place finish in 2013. The breakdown included 347 points in dance, 69.5 in tumbling, 77 in tossing, 74 in stunts, and 78 in pyramid, with 11 deductions.
In an interview with The Flame, UST SDT head coach Mark Chaiwalla expressed disappointment over the result, calling it his worst finish since taking charge in 2017.
“I wouldn’t lie; I feel a bit low-spirited at the moment. I mean, that’s it; you’ve done your best,” Chaiwalla said. “You have no choice but to move forward, learn… Push yourself to be stronger.”
“Regardless of whatever would happen, it’s not easy to get to this point, especially for the culture in UST. It’s really hard,” he added. “But we really have to try not to sugarcoat things, especially when it comes to errors.”
The NU Pep Squad reclaimed the UAAP cheerdance championship with a total of 713 points. Joining them on the podium were the Adamson University Pep Squad in second place and the Season 86 champions, the Far Eastern University Cheering Squad, in third.
