BY KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
The exciting rivalry between Ateneo and La Salle in women’s volleyball will be missed this season as UAAP officials on Tuesday decided to cancel the remaining events due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that put all sporting events worldwide on hold.
In a statement, UAAP officials said “the conditions for the resumption… can no longer be met” following the government’s extension of the Enhanced Community Quarantine to April 30.
“All other issues related thereto will be resolved at the proper time as we continue to focus our time, energy and resources in battling this crisis,” said the league in a statement signed by Season 82 President Emmanuel Fernandez of host Ateneo and Executive Director Rebo Saguisag.
Aside from volleyball, other events also canceled are football, baseball, softball, athletics, tennis and 3×3 basketball.
This marked the first time since World War II that volleyball, which is the centerpiece sport in the second semester, will not be held.
Prior to the season cancellation, the league was looking at resuming the remaining events on May 1.
The ECQ was initially scheduled to end on April 14, a time that will allow teams to train for at least two weeks before the league resumes.
Despite the sad ending to what appeared to be an auspicious start of Season 82, the league is grateful to everyone who made the events in the first semester a success.
“Nevertheless, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you, our fans, partners, student-athletes, coaches, and all other members of the UAAP community.”
Ateneo’s grand sweep of the basketball competition highlighted the early success of the league.
