The University Athletic Association of the Philippines has decided to take drastic action in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Following the extension of the enhanced community quarantine, the league has scrapped the remainder of Season 82. The highly-anticipated volleyball tournament, of course, was not spared from the cancellation.
Not long after the announcement, the players poured their emotions out on social media.
Risa Sato, who had gone through turbulent times before returning to NU as a senior as well as a full-fledged captain, bid farewell to Season 82. She would also be the first to laud the efforts of the Lady Bulldogs, who emerged as a strong title contender in the women’s division with resounding wins over UST and Adamson.
Sayonara UAAP seasons 82
— Risa Sato (@risajun_61) April 7, 2020
Speaking of Sato’s return, the league had seen a number of comeback stories in Season 82 — including Kat Tolentino’s decision to take flight as a Lady Eagle for one last time.
In a short but heartfelt Instagram post, the Fil-Canadian winger expressed her gratitude to her sisters-in-arms.
View this post on Instagram
Thanks for the memories? Stay safe everyone ?
A post shared by Katrina Tolentino (@katrinamaetolentino) on
Like Sato and Tolentino, Golden Tigress EJ Laure’s return to the league came to an abrupt end. So it was unsurprising that the cancellation elicited a heavy-hearted reaction in her.
Haaayss… sakit sa heart ?
— Ej Laure (@ennajielauree) April 7, 2020
Her sister Eya Laure is no different. The UST sophomore expressed her reaction to the sudden development by sharing an emotional moment of her and elder sibling. She even called on her ate EJ to suit up in Season 83.
till our next season https://t.co/g3tPkSOMPt
— Eya Laure (@eyalaureee) April 7, 2020
UE Lady Warrior Mean Mendrez, for her part, acknowledged that the season may have ended prematurely but her experiences in what was supposedly her final year will last a lifetime.
A moment lasts all of a second, but the memory lives on forever. Waah ? Thank you UAAP Season 82 ☹️ https://t.co/JITMOWNorj
— Mean Mendrez (@meanmendrez) April 7, 2020
Seniors in the men’s division also bared their emotions in light of the cancellation.
FEU’s Jude Garcia could not believe that his thunderous kill against UST — which capped off a scintillating 27-point outburst — would be his final point of the season.
Ito na pala yung huling palo ko ngayong season ??? #OnceATAMARAWalwaysATAMARAW? https://t.co/EfKaGPcqxu
— Jude Garcia (@garciajude07) April 8, 2020
National University libero Ricky Marcos felt immensely pained after learning that the season has come to a close.
Mas masakit pa sa break-up ganurn wasak sabogssszzz ?????? https://t.co/BH4j7J2JQY
— Ricky Marcos ?? (@marcos_ricky03) April 7, 2020
Still, there are those who chose to look forward.
One of them is UP Fighting Maroon Louis Gamban, who has already established himself as an electric performer in the league despite being a rookie, thanks largely in part to his impressive skill set coupled with an unparalleled flare.
MOVE ON ?…..
THANK YOU PO SA LAHAT NG SUMUPORTA SA UPMVT NGAYON S82 , ( BOTH INDOOR & OUTDOOR VOLLEYBALL )
– mas mag papalakas ako ngayon season 83 ✊ pic.twitter.com/2PwdxjTOTu
— Louis Gamban (@LouisGamban02_) April 7, 2020
Adamson University neophyte Louie Romero made it known that she’s anticipating a promising campaign in Season 83, especially with the return of the injury-stricken Chiara Permentilla and Lucille Almonte.
See you next season ? hihintayin namin kayo @Lcllmymlmnt and ate @chiiaramay https://t.co/TCcDa1xY4c
— Louieeeee (@LouieeeRomero) April 7, 2020
Another rookie standout in Ateneo’s Faith Nisperos also looks forward to a better season next year.
Stay safe & see you soon. ? pic.twitter.com/WaBvEvWVhW
— Faith Mallonga Nisperos (@faith_nisperos) April 7, 2020
