MANILA, Philippines – The Ateneo Lady Eagles are bidding an early and emotional goodbye to team captain and star setter Jia Morado, who stunned the volleyball world with her decision to forego her final year of UAAP eligibility.

Morado, a one-time Best Setter who has been the anchor of Ateneo's top-ranked offense for four seasons, announced to their community on Saturday night that she is "graduating" not just from the university, but from the team as well.

Her announcement came following the Lady Eagles' five-set loss to archrivals De La Salle University in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 79 women's volleyball Finals, making it a doubly heartbreaking day for Ateneans.

Tributes poured in almost immediately for Morado, who gained a following for her uncanny poise, her superb playmaking, and the deft leadership skills that she displayed in Season 79, when she towed the Lady Eagles to the Finals.

While fans are still hoping to convince Morado to change her mind and play in her final year, her own teammates seemed to have accepted their captain's decision.

• READ: I have decided to graduate from the team -- Morado

In an emotional Instagram post, utility spiker Michelle Morente hailed her batch mate and great friend. Morente and Morado entered the Ateneo at the same time, in Season 76, when they shocked the UAAP by winning the championship despite being a supposedly "rebuilding" team.

A post shared by Michelle Morente (@michellemorente) on May 6, 2017 at 9:33pm PDT

"It's hard to say goodbye," Morente said. "Ikaw ang isa sa mga malapit sa akin… Tinalo mo pa relationships ko. To be honest, this is worse than a break-up. You saying goodbye to us broke my heart into small pieces."

Yet Morente also stressed that she was "super happy" for Morado, and vowed to support her teammate in her future endeavors. "You know I'm always here," she said.

"It won't be the same," Morente also said. "But I know for sure you will be there by our side. I can't thank you enough for everything. We wouldn't be where we are right now without you."

Also paying tribute to Morado was Ateneo middle blocker Bea de Leon, who said on Twitter: "Thank you for everything Jia. I'm going to be so lost without you. No one could have done a better job this year as our captain."

Thank you for everything Jia. I'm gonna be so lost without you. No one could have done a better job this year as our captain. 😊😘 https://t.co/611nE3lka1

— Bea de Leon (@_beadel) May 7, 2017

De Leon had formed a remarkable combination with Morado, with their quick plays in transition proving to be Ateneo's deadliest option for most of the tournament.

However, not everyone is ready to let go of Morado just yet. Former Ateneo Lady Eagle turned TV Patrol segment host Gretchen Ho asked on Twitter: "Sure na ba yan?" and added the hashtag "#ProjectJiaMoradoFor5thYear," which fans have also been using to try to convince the setter to stay.

Sure na ba yaaannn??? #ProjectJiaMoradoFor5thYear@itscharosoriano @AlyssaValdez2 @AmyAhomiro @denniselazaro @beaistan @Mownana @JemFerrer https://t.co/w2caKLbSMo

— Gretchen Ho (@gretchenho) May 7, 2017

If Morado had indeed played her last game for the Lady Eagles, she went out with a six-point, 53-excellent set performance. The former Colegio de San Agustin standout helped Ateneo win two championships, and was the Best Setter in Season 77.

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