Two days after the University of Vermont placed all sports on hold through Feb. 4 due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the athletic department, players in the women's basketball program made the call Sunday that they wouldn't finish the remainder of their 2020-21 season.
The players' decision has the full support of the team's coaches and department leaders, according to a news release reported by the Burlington Free Press.
"We respect our players' decisions and they have had our complete support throughout this unprecedented time," UVM coach Alisa Kresge said in a statement. "It has not been easy for anyone involved with our program and I feel for them. I'm extremely proud of our team and what we have accomplished on and off the court. This group of impressive young women has a bright future ahead."
Vermont joins Vanderbilt, Virginia and San Jose State as women's basketball teams that have decided within the past two weeks to end their 2020-21 seasons.
UVM athletic director Jeff Schulman said he has "tremendous respect" for the women's program.
"I'm particularly appreciative of the leadership that Coach Kresge and her staff have provided during this very challenging season," Schulman said. "Our program has made great strides under this coaching staff and I look forward to watching the group continue to build on the solid foundation that has been established."
The Catamounts have seen postponements in each of the last three weekends, a total of six games, due to COVID protocols. The program had one reported positive case of coronavirus earlier this month among its Tier 1 personnel, which includes athletes, coaches and managers.
UVM's 4-2 start matched its best since the 2012-13 season. It concludes the season on a three-game winning streak.
