Fairfield University Withdraws From 2020-21 MAAC Volleyball Championship
EDISON, N.J. (Mar. 31, 2021) – Due to a positive COVID-19 test within their program, the Fairfield University volleyball team has withdrawn from the 2020-21 MAAC Volleyball Championship.
Fairfield was scheduled to play Siena College in the opening round of the 2020-21 MAAC Volleyball Championship. The match has been declared a no-contest and Siena will advance to the semifinals. The Rider vs. Manhattan quarterfinal game originally scheduled for 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 1, will now take place at 5 p.m.
As COVID-19 has created challenges for intercollegiate athletics, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) recognizes there is no way to eliminate the risk of virus transmission. Therefore, the implementation of COVID-19 risk mitigation strategies, including appropriate testing, will be critical in the success of the 2020-21 MAAC Volleyball Championship. All tests conducted at the championship will utilize the Abbot ID Now Rapid Molecular PCR test.
In addition to testing, it is important that all student-athletes, coaches, administrators, event staff, and others involved with the championship observe risk mitigation activities such as daily self-health checks, frequent washing of hands, wearing masks, social distancing, and other protocols as recommended by the CDC, state, and local health authorities.
“It is tragic that the top-seeded and defending champions Fairfield University team has tested positive for the virus and must withdraw from competition,” notes MAAC Commissioner Rich Ensor. “Everyone associated with the championship wishes it was otherwise and we share the pain of the student-athletes, coaches, families and fans of the Fairfield University volleyball team.”
About the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference:
With 11 institutions strongly bound by the sound principles of quality and integrity in academics and excellence in athletics, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) celebrates its 40
th year of competition during the 2020-21 academic year. Current conference members include: Canisius College, Fairfield University, Iona College, Manhattan College, Marist College, Monmouth University, Niagara University, Quinnipiac University, Rider University, Saint Peter’s University, and Siena College.