SIOUX FALLS — There’s a noticeable difference in this year’s state volleyball tournament schedule.

The tournament plays all three classes at one site, this year at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls. In previous seasons, the championship matches were played two hours apart, culminating with the Class AA championship scheduled at 8 p.m. Saturday.

This year, the South Dakota High School Activities Association has scheduled the B, A and AA championship matches all at 7 p.m. Saturday. 

“I am excited to see how it’s going to work,” SDHSAA assistant executive director Jo Auch said. “I think it’s going to be an exciting championship night. I think our crowds are going to be absolutely amazing, but we will see. There’s going to be pros and cons and we will have to work through it.”

The coaches first discussed the topic at the annual Friday night coaches meeting at the state tournament last season. The consensus opinion was the championship session drug on and Auch recalls a year in Rapid City when the last match started after 9:30 p.m.

“One of the consistencies is we’ve done B, A and AA,” Auch said. “We never know if it’s going to go 3, 4 or 5 (sets). So those game times get pushed back. It’s really not fair to those teams to kind of sit and prepare and be ready for that contest, and now all of a sudden, boom, it’s another 40 minutes before we get to play. So they asked if we can try this.”

The sessions are also starting earlier this season. In previous seasons, the afternoon session started at noon and the evening session started at 6 p.m. This year, the afternoon session starts at 11:30 a.m. and the evening session starts at 5 p.m.

A pair teams huddle up during Thursday's state volleyball tournament in Sioux Falls. (Rodney Haas / 605 Sports)

On Saturday, the championship matches will start on time and together, while introductions will include starters, coaches and officials. The awards ceremonies will take place after the final match is completed.  

The schedule will again be a topic of discussion at this year’s Friday meeting and the volleyball advisory committee meeting on Nov. 30, said Auch. 

“I am not one that likes to try something one year and then change it again the next year,” Auch said. “So I’d at least like to give it a two-year try and see once where we are at, unless we absolutely hate it.”

Auch anticipates the championship night crowd to be stronger this season. As opposed to fans leaving after their championship match is over, they’ll be able to watch all three matches continuously until the end. 

“I think it’s going to give these championship teams the opportunity to play before a crowd that’s going to be amazing,” Auch said. “If there’s a lull in the action there’s going to be something exciting going on at the other court. So I am excited to see how it’s going to work out. I think it’s going to be a really fun atmosphere.”