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Coaches from eight teams during the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament. – UAAP PHOTOS
MANILA, Philippines – The UAAP men’s and women’s volleyball tournaments had to wait a little longer for the implementation of the video challenge this season, but pre-pandemic rituals—including the traditional handshake and court change—returned amid restrictions as the league reopened. Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The league’s volleyball commissioner Mike Verano said Wednesday that the video challenge system will be out of commission for the entire first round of Season 85 due to availability issues.
“We will start with the challenge system in the second round. The reason for this is the availability of the actual system,” said Verano during a press conference on Wednesday. “There are four leagues and tournaments together in the first quarter, and the UAAP is the last season, so availability is a challenge.”
“But we will have it in the second round. There will be two challenges per set,” he said.
The UAAP implemented a challenge system in 2020 but the season was scrapped after three playdates due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Premier Volleyball League, Spiker’s Turf, and the NCAA use video challenges in their ongoing tournaments.
Verano said the league also decided to ease health and safety restrictions, bring back traditional high-fives and change the court.
UAAP Executive Director Atty. On Wednesday, Saguisag said the league will no longer require COVID-19 tests, absent new restrictions from local government units.
“Regarding the antigen test or any test, as long as the LGU and/or board does not require it, wala na,” Saguisag said. “The patron area will also now be open to fans for a closer UAAP experience.”
Return of men’s volleyball
Men’s volleyball will also return after a three-year hiatus as two-time defending champion National University continues its unfinished title retention bid against Ateneo on Saturday at the MOA Arena at 4 p.m.
Bulldogs coach Dante Alinsunurin will rely on Joshua Retamar and Nico Almendras, after a successful pre-season with titles at the Turf and V-League Spikers.
The Adamson and Eastern University men’s teams will kick off their season at 10 a.m
The NU Lady Bulldogs, who ended a 65-year title drought with a perfect 16-0 season last year, take on the Ateneo Blue Eagles at 2 pm to highlight the opening day of women’s volleyball after the Lady Falcons-Lady Red Warriors game at 12 noon.
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