MANILA, Philippines -- UAAP athletes were emotional on social media on Tuesday, after the league officially cancelled Season 82 due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The UAAP was forced to put a complete stop to the season when the government decided to extend the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine until April 30.
"The conditions for the resumption of UAAP Season 82 can no longer be met," the league said in a memorandum.
While the UAAP athletes accepted the cancellation, they were also understandably disappointed and saddened by the abrupt end of the season. Several players shared their sentiments on social media, where they bid an early goodbye to fans.
"See you next season," tweeted University of Santo Tomas (UST) sophomore Eya Laure.
Her older sister, EJ, said "sakit sa heart" as her comeback campaign in the UAAP ended after just two games.
On Instagram, Ateneo de Manila University's Kat Tolentino said, "Thanks for the memories," while adding a broken hearted emoji. The veteran opposite spiker had decided to return for her final playing year after initially "signing off" at the end of Season 81, but the Lady Eagles played just two games as well before the tournament was terminated.
Ateneo libero Dani Ravena vowed that "the one big fight continues" while also encouraging her followers to stay safe.
On her Instagram stories, Ateneo captain Ponggay Gaston posted a meme that encapsulated most players' reactions.
University of the Philippines rookie Louis Gamban, the breakout star of the men's volleyball tournament, said it was time to move on and thanked everyone who supported their campaigns both in indoor and beach volleyball.
"Mas magpapalakas ako ngayong Season 83," he also vowed.
UST rookie Imee Hernandez, for her part, said the cancellation came as a surprise.
"This will surely hurt for a while but we will be back, better and more prepared," she added.
There are still several issues that need to be answered after the UAAP cancelled its season, including questions of eligibility for the athletes. According to the UAAP, these issues "will be resolved at the proper time as we continue to focus our time, energy, and resources in battling this crisis."
Aside from men's and women's volleyball, also cancelled was the men's football tournament. Several other events -- including women's football, softball, and 3x3 basketball -- did not even start.
(For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website).