What Is 2019 NCAA men's volleyball tournament

Overview

The 2019 NCAA men's volleyball tournament marked the 50th edition of the championship, crowning the top collegiate men's volleyball team in Division I and II. Held from May 1 to May 4, the event expanded to include six teams for the first time, introducing a new play-in round to accommodate more programs.

This expansion reflected growing interest in men's collegiate volleyball and provided additional opportunities for at-large bids. The tournament concluded with UCLA capturing its 20th national title, defeating Brigham Young University in a dramatic five-set final.

• Format change: For the first time, six teams participated instead of four, with two opening-round play-in matches.
• Host site: The final rounds were held at Pauley Pavilion on UCLA’s campus in Los Angeles, California.
• UCLA’s victory: The Bruins won their first title since 2012, defeating BYU 3–2 in a back-and-forth final.
• BYU’s run: The Cougars advanced to the final after a 3–1 semifinal win over defending champions Long Beach State.
• Historic moment: UCLA’s 20th title extended its record as the most successful program in NCAA men's volleyball history.

How It Works

The NCAA men's volleyball tournament uses a single-elimination format with a limited field based on conference performance and national rankings. In 2019, the structure was modified to include more teams and play-in games.

• Selection Committee: A panel selects 6 teams based on win-loss records, strength of schedule, and RPI rankings.
• Automatic qualifiers:Four conferences received automatic bids: MPSF, MIVA, EIVA, and the independent NEIC.
• At-large bids: The remaining 2 teams are chosen by the committee using national rankings and performance metrics.
• Play-in matches: The lowest-seeded teams play first-round games to determine semifinalists.
• Bracket structure: Winners advance to the semifinals, hosted at a predetermined neutral or top-seed site.
• Championship match: The final is a single game, typically held on a Saturday, with the winner awarded the NCAA title.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2019 tournament compared to previous editions in terms of format, participation, and outcomes:

The expansion in 2019 allowed for broader representation and more competitive balance. While previous tournaments were limited to four teams, the new format gave mid-major programs a better chance to participate. The inclusion of play-in games also heightened early-round drama and increased national exposure for the sport.

Why It Matters

The 2019 tournament was a turning point for NCAA men's volleyball, signaling a shift toward greater inclusivity and visibility. With format changes and a high-profile final, the event helped elevate the sport’s profile on campus and in media coverage.

• Increased access: The expansion to 6 teams gave more programs a realistic path to the national stage.
• Competitive parity: Mid-tier teams like Grand Canyon and UC San Diego gained opportunities through play-in games.
• Media exposure: The final drew a strong crowd at Pauley Pavilion and was streamed nationally via NCAA.com.
• Historic achievement: UCLA’s 20th title reinforced its legacy as the dominant program in the sport’s history.
• BYU’s emergence: The Cougars’ first final appearance signaled their rise as a national powerhouse.
• Future growth: The 2019 model influenced later expansions, including discussions about an 8-team bracket.

Overall, the 2019 NCAA men's volleyball tournament was a milestone event that combined tradition with innovation. It not only delivered thrilling matches but also laid the groundwork for the sport’s continued development at the collegiate level.