By NIKOLE JAVIER
The UAAP will revert to its pre-pandemic format in the upcoming Season 85 volleyball tournament.
After three years of inactivity and shortened schedule last season, the league is gearing up for extensive coverage once more which will also set to see the return of men’s volleyball.
The league will also see the introduction of the challenge system come the second round of the tournament as the equipment is yet to be available in time for the kickoff.
Other pre-pandemic protocols such as handshakes and court-side switches between the two teams will also be included in the return.
COVID-19 testing will also no longer be required for players and the rest of the school’s staff as the respective LGUs of the venues continue to ease health protocols.
“It's gonna be very exciting. We’ll open the Patron area. Iba rin. I’m sure the student-athletes din feed off this energy. So definitey tataaas ‘yong level ng competition. And two, men’s volleyball will be back,” said UAAP executive director Rebo Saguisag.
“Our scheduling will be exciting. It will now be men, women, women, men. Hopefully to promote both divisions. We were trying to gain momentum from the success of the men’s side from the SEA Games. Unfortunately, COVID happened.”
Meanwhile, reigning champion National University will take on Ateneo on the opening day on Saturday, Feb. 25 at the Mall of Asia Arena at 2 p.m. while host school Adamson faces University of the East at 4 p.m.