Second Sem UAAP events go full swing with start of collegiate volleyball
Date Posted: February 22, 2023 at 04:05 PM
As second-semester events take center stage for UAAP 85, it is now the turn of Collegiate Volleyball to take the spotlight as it officially begins on February 25 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
With the new season, the tournament has adopted new scheduling policies and will implement the challenge system in the second round of competitions. The league will also revert to its pre-pandemic protocols.
For the first time since UAAP Season 82, the men's volleyball tournament will be held alongside the women's matches as men's games will have start times of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. while their women's counterparts will play at 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., respectively. Games are slated every Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
UAAP 85 President Fr. Aldrin Suan, CM explained that this move was made to give more notice to men’s volleyball.
"This schedule is the same as Ateneo de Manila University did during the aborted UAAP Season 82 tournament. We are just continuing our mission of promoting men's volleyball, especially after the [Philippine National Men’s Volleyball Team’s] historic silver finish in the 30th Southeast Asian Games," he said.
"Some of the UAAP fans are calling this era the league's 'Inclusivity Era' and we hope that we can continue showcasing all our student-athletes in future seasons.”
Media Partners
Cignal TV will, again, air the matches via One Sports, in high definition on the UAAP Varsity Channel and Cignal Play. Smart will also be streaming the UAAP events on its Smart Livestream app.
The network was also the UAAP’s media partner in the previous season hosted by De La Salle University.
"UAAP Season 84 saw the return of our women's volleyball student-athletes after almost a two-year absence. It was truly inspiring to see them deliver their powerful spikes, dazzling digs, and create magical moments. Our platforms will continue to deliver world-class coverage and bring the UAAP closer to the fans," said Cignal TV Inc. & MediaQuest President and CEO Jane J. Basas.
UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rene "Rebo" Saguisag, Jr. thanked the league’s broadcast partners, Cignal and Smart Communications, represented by its First Vice President, Mr. Lloyd Manaloto.
"We at the UAAP are looking forward to not just promoting school spirit but also showcasing the values of fair play, competition, and, most importantly, sportsmanship through the channels we have," he said.
Falcon Represent
Adamson Lady Falcons Lucille Almonte, Kate Santiago, Antonette Adolfo, and Angelica Alcantara represented AdU in the said collegiate volleyball presser, along with assistant coach Jay Chua.
Head Coach Jerry Yee begged off from the event as he was attending to his coaching duties with the College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers, who are currently competing at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
The San Marcelino crew is set to open UAAP 85 on opening day, February 25.