Meanwhile, 2-time defending High School Division champions the School of Saint Anthony Seagulls (SSA) square off against a new group of hungry contenders, while fending off serious challenges by old foes.

While the Seagulls' unparalleled athleticism carried them through to the 2008 National High School Championship, other teams showed a remarkable improvement in their overall skill levels, raising the bar for competitive cheerleading at this level. Hot on the heels of the defending champs was the amazing all-girls' squad of the School of the Holy Spirit (SHS), which topped the 2008 Qualifiers, as well. NCC veterans the Taguig High School Sinag Pep Squad also stamped their class, dislodging 2007 third placer Pasig Catholic College (PCC).

This year, the field appears to be more daunting, however, as a slew of new-comers are poised to make their presence felt in the Nationals. 2006 champs Poveda returns to active competition after taking a hiatus last year, while the San Beda College of Alabang hope to bounce back from a their 5^th place showing in 2008. Also hoping to make a splash are NCC newbie's Colegio De San Agustin-Makati and St. Paul College Pasig.

The CSA-Laguna squad tops the list of regional high school qualifiers.

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