UAAP CDC: Clean routine, prep lead to podium finish for La Salle

The De La Salle University Animo Squad claimed its second podium finish in three years on Sunday at the MOA Arena, bagging second runner-up honors at the 2013 UAAP Cheerdance Competition.

In an event that saw most teams struggle to execute, the Animo Squad leaned on a clean routine to finish third overall, behind UP and eventual champs NU.

"Of course, we're overwhelmed but honestly, hindi naman ako nagexpect ng ganun kalaki na makabalik [sa Top 3] ulit," said DLSU coach Ruffa Rosario. "Gusto ko lang mabuo yung routine namin and kung meron kaming makuha that is an additional award from our Lord talaga."

Early miscues from competition heavyweights Far Eastern University and the University of the Philippines did not take the pressure off the Animo Squad. Rosario stressed that it even made it more difficult:

"Medyo kinabahan ako kasi hindi pa kami nagpeperform, but after we performed, nakahinga na ko."

The Animo Squad head coach also shared that the team identified certain weaknesses that they worked on for this year's competition.

"Last year, our weakness was the [lack of] time," Rosario said. "Yung oras namin sa pagtetraining. Unlike now, we finished our routine one month before the competition."

Rosario also took the time to praise his squad, who has flourished after the university overhauled its cheerdance program.

"I really love the kids," Rosario said. "Not only do they excel in academics, but also in cheerleading. They love the sport." - AMD, GMA News