By MARK REY MONTEJO
Centro Escolar University will start its title-retention bid as Universities and Colleges Athletic League (UCAL)-PG Flex Linoleum Season 6 kicks off on Saturday, Jan. 20, at the Paco Arena in Manila.
Eyeing a back-to-back title, the Scorpions battle debutant Manila Central University at 12 noon while neophyte Philippine Women’s University tussles with Philippine Christian University at 2 p.m.
The simple opening ceremony will start at 11 a.m.
UCAL President Franklin Evidente welcomed the participants, including the two newest members at MCU Helix Vertical Auditorium on Monday, Jan. 15.
“We are opening Season 6 of the UCAL with 9 member schools. We would not have gotten this far without the loyalty and support of our member schools, the press and the media, our social media and livestream partners and of course, our major sponsor, PG Flex Linoleum,” said Evidente.
Present in the event were coaches and players from Diliman College, Guang Ming College, Lyceum-Batangas, Olivarez College, University of Batangas, CEU, PCU-Dasmarinas and additional teams MCU and PWU.
With fresh season on its way, there will be a different format in the tourney, for the first phase it will be a single round robin followed by second phase where classification round to start. The top four teams will have an outright quarterfinals spot with top and second earn a twice-to-beat card.
It is a crossover quarterfinals and the winners will showdown in a knockout semifinal game. The final round is a best-of-three series.
Formerly known as UCBL, the league returned to its original name as part of its expansion, adding sport events including men’s and women’s volleyball, men’s 3×3 basketball and E-Sports.
UCAL was sidelined for almost two years as pandemic occurred here in the country then went back on the court last year where CEU won the championship.
The Scorpions made history last edition, with an immaculate 14-0 win-loss record as it perfected its elims and playoff assignments then sweeping Olivarez College in the finals, 2-0, for their second title in the tilt.
UCAL will be live streamed on Smarts Sports and participating social media pages every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.
