For some coaches, the shift to a two-round format is a welcome development for the NCAA volleyball tournament.
The league implemented a two-round format after more than 10 seasons of doing it with just one round. The last time the double round was held was back in Season 83.
"Sobrang ganda para sa NCAA, sobrang ganda para sa amin kasi lalaki [ang] exposure ng mga bata, mas maraming matutuunan sa season na 'to and siyempre, makakasabay na sa ibang liga," Lyceum of the Philippines University women's team head coach Cromwel Garcia said.
However, adjusting in terms of preparation for conditioning and pacing will also be made.
"They will study how to prepare conditioning-wise, mental-wise, and kung paano hahasain nang husto kasi 18 games in two rounds, kailangan ng coaches makapag-aral paano ipe-pacing na pagdating sa gitna, aabot hanggang dulo," De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde men's team head coach Arnold Laniog said.
"'Yung two rounds para sa akin is better kasi mas nakakapag-prepare ka, kaso mo mag-adjust training mo kasi mas mahaba season natin ngayon. Nag-adjust lang kami ng training," University of Perpetual Help System DALTA women's head coach Sandy Rieta said.
"Testing din 'yan ano ang effectivity ng two rounds para tumaas ang level. Pero sabi ko nga, most players are sanay sa one round kaya bagong testing ito," echoed Colegio de San Juan de Letran women's team head coach Oliver Almadro said.
The league also brought the games to the schools, at least in the first round of the tournament. During the first weekend of the tournament, the games were held at the San Sebastian College-Recoletos.
Games will also be played at the gymnasiums of San Beda University, Lyceum of the Philippines University, Arellano University, Jose Rizal University, Emilio Aguinaldo College, and University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, before returning to San Sebastian for the last two game days of the tournament in April.
"[Ang] laking bagay nito, napakaganda kasi nakakahatak ng audience mismo na puwede maging panatiko ng volleyball kada eskwelahan na paglipat natin ng big arena, dala-dala na natin galing dito," Garcia said.
Add to that, the Letran head coach said it will be a good way to build school spirit.
"Okay naman 'yan para maibalik sa schools. Bago ulit, parang n'ung araw," Almadro said.
"Mayroong advantage, mayroong disadvantage, pero I guess it’s a good come on para sa school spirit."
For the first round, games are held every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
