By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

FOR the second time this season the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) forced the University Athletic Association of the Philippines to make an adjustment in its volleyball calendar.

In accordance with the declaration of a State of Public Health Emergency by the government at the weekend as the number of people hit by the contagious COVID-19 considerably increased, the UAAP deemed it fit to cancel all scheduled activities for the week until March 17, including the marquee volleyball tournament.

Under the State of Public Health Emergency, President Rodrigo R. Duterte also suspended classes at all levels in Metro Manila from March 10 to 14.

As of this writing, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country was at 24.

Directly hit by decision was the showdown between the De La Salle Lady Spikers and University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Lady Spikers (1-0) were aiming to build on their impressive season debut last Saturday, where they defeated the defending champions Ateneo Lady Eagles in four sets, 25-17, 17-25, 25-17, 25-15.

They were also angling to get back at the Fighting Maroons after going winless against the latter in all of last season.

UP (1-1), meanwhile, was seeking to sustain its improved form after bouncing back in its last game on Saturday against the University of the East following a so-so performance in its season debut versus Ateneo last week.

Also set to play yesterday were the men’s teams of La Salle and UP.

Cancelled, too, were the matches (men’s and women’s) between Ateneo and UE and Adamson University and Far Eastern University today, that between FEU and Ateneo and UE and National University on March 14, La Salle versus University of Santo Tomas and UP against Adamson on March 15, and NU versus Ateneo on March 17.

Tournaments in UAAP football, softball, baseball, and high school girls’ basketball were also shut.

The UAAP said after the suspension it would take on things on a day-to-day basis, depending on the directives of the government and pertinent agencies.

NCAA ALSO SUSPENDS
Also taking into consideration the threat of COVID-19, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) earlier this week suspended activities for its Season 95.

Done to ensure the safety and welfare of the students, athletes, fans and officials, the NCAA suspended all activities indefinitely.

It is also reportedly considering cancelling the remainder of the season all together.

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