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| (Image Source: GMA Network) |
Prepare for high-flying spikes and floor-defying digs as the quest for the most prestigious volleyball crown officially commenced in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 101 Women’s Volleyball Tournament. Ready to clash for supremacy and ‘build greatness’ this season are the Arellano Lady Chiefs, Letran Lady Knights, Benilde Lady Blazers, EAC Lady Generals, JRU Lady Bombers, LPU Lady Pirates, Mapúa Lady Cardinals, San Beda Lady Red Spikers, San Sebastian Lady Stags, and Perpetual Lady Altas.
“For NCAA Season 101 Volleyball, we have some modifications like the [tournament format where there will be two groupings], so that the tournament will be more exciting and unpredictable. The Philippines is a volleyball country, so we are trying very hard to make this season, as much as possible, competitive, and for the enjoyment of the fans,” said NCAA Season 101 Volleyball Chairman Fr. Victor C. Calvo Jr. All of NCAA Season 101 Women's Volleyball games are played at the San Andres Gym in Manila with select games to be aired live exclusively on GTV and Heart of Asia (HOA). The tournament follows the same format as the recently concluded basketball competitions where the 10 participating teams are divided into two groups with the Final Four teams from last season’s women’s volleyball tournament assigned to the groups and the remaining six teams being determined by a drawing of lots. The groupings are as follows:
Group A: Benilde, Mapua, San Sebastian, JRU, Perpetual
Group B: Letran, Arellano, LPU, San Beda, EAC
Teams will first compete against the other teams within their group before facing the teams from the opposite group. After these cross-group matches, teams return to their original groups for one more round robin to finalize the standings at the end of the classification phase. The top three teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals with the top two teams in each group enjoying a twice-to-beat advantage. Teams finishing fourth and fifth in the group phase will compete in a play-in round to determine the last quarterfinals spot. Quarterfinal winners will advance to the best-of-three semifinals with the winners moving on to the finals.
GMA Regional TV Officer-in-Charge and Concurrent Head of Central Office Operations and Synergy Marivic Araneta expressed, “As the proud home of the NCAA, GMA Network, thru GMA Synergy, is committed to providing the best viewing experience for all the NCAA supporters and Kapuso sports enthusiasts. With the competitive spirit of all participating NCAA volleyball teams, this season’s Women’s Volleyball Tournament is definitely something to look forward to. We invite everyone to show their support and witness the incomparable determination and world-class skills of all student athletes.”
Viewers can catch the NCAA Season 101 live games every Wednesday at 11:00 am (HOA) and 2:30 pm (GTV and HOA), Fridays at 12:00 nn and 2:30 pm (HOA), and Sundays at 12:00 nn and 2:30 pm (GTV and HOA). Catch the livestream of the NCAA Season 101 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on the NCAA Philippines website (www.gmanetwork.com/ncaa), NCAA Philippines Facebook page and YouTube channel, and GMA Sports' social media accounts. Global Pinoys can catch all the action on GMA News TV. For the complete broadcast schedule, visit mytfc.com.
For more updates on NCAA, visit its official website www.ncaa.com.ph and @ncaaphilippines, @gmasynergy, and @gmasportsph on social media.
