At the time, Evan Giordano‘s put out to Chris Hamilton that gave Stony Brook Baseball the 4-2 win over Merrimack Wednesday afternoon spelled the end of non-conference action. Less than 24 hours later, it will stand as the final play by a Stony Brook Athletics program this Spring.
The America East Conference announced all practices and competitions for its institutions have been canceled Thursday evening. This is in regard to preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus (coronavirus).
“The decision was made in light of the recent developments, including the cancellation of all NCAA winter and spring championships, regarding the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This is a proactive decision to protect the health, safety and well-being of everyone,” the America East said in a press release.
The Stony Brook Basketball, Baseball, Lacrosse, Track and Field, and Tennis seasons have been canceled in-season and without a champion.
The NCAA announced that all Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments were canceled Thursday afternoon. Stony Brook Women’s Basketball was predicted to be the 13th seed in the NCAA Tournament based on ESPN contributor Charlie Creme’s ‘Bracketology‘ The Men’s team may have been a prime candidate for the College Basketball Invitational after finishing second in the regular season and earning 20 victories. The team participated in it last year, but lost to the USF Bulls 82-79.
The America East announced both the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments had been cancelled prior to the NCAA’s official announcement. They joined the SEC, ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, American, Atlantic 10, C-USA, MAAC, Big East, Big Sky and WAC.
“This is a proactive decision to protect the health, safety and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches, staff and everyone on our campuses,” a representative of the America East said in a press release.
The NCAA also ruled that the remaining winter and spring NCAA Championships were canceled. The conference ruled the basketball tournaments would be played without fans in attendance, one day prior to the cancellations. Essential staff, media outlets and limited family members were originally allowed to attend the games.
The America East awarded 11 seniors across the top-seeded Stony Brook and No. 2-seeded Maine Black Bears with conference All-Championship Team honors Friday evening. Cheyenne Clark, Kyra Dixon, Kaela Hilaire, Kina Smith and Hailey Zeise were all honored for Stony Brook.
Stony Brook Athletics had ruled out several road games that were scheduled for this week, before the conference’s announcement. This included the Softball team’s participation at the Seattle University Tournament— which was set to start on Friday, March 13– No. 5-ranked Women’s Lacrosse‘s game against No. 7-ranked USC which was set for March 15, and Men’s Lacrosse vs No. 3-ranked Princeton which was originally planned for April 4. Women’s Tennis also cancelled matches at Brown, Northern Iowa and Drake.
The decisions have been taken in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus, which the World Health Organization declared a pandemic on Wednesday, March 11. It defines coronavirus as “a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases.”
Athletes, coaches, fans and executives have used social media to express their disappointment with the abrupt ending to the season.
“Challenging few days within our league and across higher ed + college sports. I appreciate the NCAA providing clarity today, even if it is devastating to so many student-athletes, especially the seniors. I’m heartbroken for them + hope we can celebrate them in some way,” America East Commissioner Amy Hutchthausen said in a tweet.
This was the final gut punch of an emotionally draining day. We must support the decision and take all lessons that we can from it. I know that I speak for my fellow ADs when I say that we will stand up for every student-athlete. We’ll always have your back,” Stony Brook Director of Athletics Shawn Heilbron said.
“Heartbroken for our players. An incredible group of strong women that were having an outstanding year! So much hard work, team bonding and time spent together Thank you to all my players parents and staff So thankful & appreciative,” No. 5-ranked Stony Brook Women’s Lacrosse head coach Joe Spallina tweeted.
“My whole life just changed in less than 24 hours. Can’t believe I played my last collegiate game and had no idea it would be my last,” Women’s Basketball graduate guard Kaela Hilaire stated.
“I have no words except I am heartbroken to not finish senior year,” Softball senior outfielder Alina Lance tweeted.
THIS WAS AN ONGOING STORY THAT HAS BEEN CONSTANTLY UPDATED.
LAST UPDATE: MARCH 13, 2020 10:00 P.M.
