BY KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Players and their fans expressed their disappointment over the cancellation of the UAAP Season 82 due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic as it affected the semester’s centerpiece sport, volleyball.
“UAAP” trended on Twitter on Tuesday night moments after the league’s announcement, saying that “the conditions for the resumption… can no longer be met” following the government’s extension of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) to April 30.
“Haaayss… sakit sa heart,” said University of Santo Tomas’ EJ Laure on her Twitter account.
Fans were anticipating for EJ’s return from injury as she was supposed to team up with younger sister Eya as the Lady Tigresses intend to bounce back from a heartbreaking defeat to Ateneo last year.
Other players like Ateneo’s Jules Samonte and Dani Ravena, and National University’s Risa Sato also aired their sentiments.
Volleyball was initially scheduled to start mid February, but was delayed for two weeks due to COVID-19 threat.
The tournament, however, was able to host a few match playdates before it was halted due to the lockdown.
The Ateneo Lady Eagles are gunning for a second straight crown while the NU Bulldogs seek a three-peat title.
Other collegiate sports affected were football, baseball, softball, athletics, tennis and 3×3 basketball. The league had already cancelled all remaining high school events last month.
“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 statement signed Season 82 President Emmanuel Fernandez and Executive Director Rebo Saguisag.
Prior to the season cancellation, the league adjusted its collegiate calendar by looking at resuming tournaments no earlier than May 1.
The ECQ was initially scheduled to end on April 14, which will allow teams to train for at least two weeks before tournament resumption.
Despite the sad ending to what appeared to be an auspicious start of the season, 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.
