The University of the Philippine Pep Squad defended its title against leading contender Salinggawi Dance Troupe of the University of Sto. Tomas at the 2008 Samsung-UAAP Cheerdance Competition before a crowd of 23,443 at the Araneta Coliseum Sunday.

UP's Francis Fleta was awarded the Cheerdance Competition's "Stunner" special prize.

The Maroons' Pep Squad won the top prize of P195,000 and a trophy.

UST, meanwhile, got P120,000 and a trophy.

The second runner-up award went to the Far Eastern University Cheering Squad. The Tamaraws won P80,000 and a trophy.

UP wrested the Cheerdance title last year from UST after winning its last crown in 2001. After that, the Growling Tigers' cheering squad held the title for five years.