Last 11 September 2018, students from different schools went all out in supporting their respective teams at the opening rites of Season 18 of the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities’ (NAASCU). And, on its 10th year as NAASCU member and participant, the athletes of Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) showed they were bent to conquer the games once more.
Held at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City, NAASCU Chairman Emeritus, Dr. Ernesto Jay Adalem, welcomed the new season in by expressing his gratitude for the relentless support of the participating schools, and mentioned that this is but the start of many more seasons to come for the said athletic association.
After the parade of athletes alongside their respective muses and escorts, plus the encouraging speeches from guest speakers, the winners of Mr. and Ms. NAASCU 2018 were unveiled. OLFU bagged 2 titles with Jean Maxane Asay winning first runner-up, and Leo Frias being crowned as Mr. NAASCU 2018!
Following at the heels of the opening salvo, the Fatima Phoenix basketball team faced their first game. Going up against the Eagles from the City University of Pasay, the game began in favor of the Phoenix, courtesy of the powerful play of starting guards Miguel Cabrera and Jeremy Troy Sarona. This bullish start was sustained through the rest of the game as the Phoenix finished off the Eagles with a flying 94-67 final score!
Athletic Director Ralph Emerson Rivera, or more famously known as Coach Ralph, manned the sidelines, guiding and instructing the players throughout the game. Also present to give their support to Fatima Phoenix were OLFU Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Don August O. Santos, and Fatima University Medical Center President, Dr. Vicente O. Santos.
