THE PLDT High Speed Hitters’ season ended brutally at the hands of the Akari Chargers, but it was due to a contentious decision made by referees in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference.
Following a stunning elimination round, the High Speed Hitters experienced a tough loss in their five-setter semi-finals match against the Chargers on Saturday, losing despite being only points away from the finals.
Akari defeated PLDT 25-22, 18-25, 22-25, 26-24, and 17-15, advancing to the finals against the Creamline Cool Smashers and relegating the losing team to a third-place match against the Cignal HD Spikers.
A controversial loss
The incident occurred in the match’s fifth and final set, when PLDT led Akari 14-13 at match point. However, the former team was obliged to challenge while the game was ongoing due to a suspected net touch.
After a crucial review, Chargers’ Ezra Madrigal indeed touched the net during the mid-rally. PLDT awarded Akari a point for challenging during the rally because it was deemed unsuccessful.
PVL commissioner Sherwin Malonzo was quick to emphasize that Madrigal’s net touch did not interfere with the current play, which is why the challenge was unsuccessful.
“There was no fault because na-establish na ‘yung position, ‘yung dalawang paa before she turned,” explained the PVL commissioner, in an interview with the media to clarify the incident that happened.
“Wala na ‘yung action of playing the ball doom sa net when she twisted. The play was already with Oly going to the setter. Kumbaga, wala na siyang kinalaman,” he also said.
Furthermore, during the interview, Malonzo specifically highlighted the FIVB rulebook as an explanation for the incident. Highlighting section 11.3.2 as a chapter to better explain their decision to the confused fans.
Based on their rulebook, “Players may touch the post, ropes, or any other object outside the antennae, including the net itself, provided that it does not interfere with the play.”
Given that the net touch committed by Akari’s Madrigal “did not interfere with the play,” it resulted into an unsuccessful challenge for the PLDT.
PLDT goes on
Despite passing a letter to PVL’s office stating that the High Speed Hitters will not participate in the league’s Invitational Conference, they will still fight for the bronze medal versus the HD Spikers.
“We sadly share the news that the Premier Volleyball League has decided to junk our protest regarding their referees’ decision to not call a net touch on a crucial juncture of our match versus Akari in the semifinals,” PLDT said in a statement.
“We are yet to know what this horrible experience is trying to teach us but one thing PLDT is proud of as a team is how we are one in fighting for the integrity not just of our team but of the entirety of Philippine volleyball.”
However, due to severe weather caused by Tropical Storm Enteng, the Finals match between Creamline and Akari, as well as the third-place match between PLDT and Cignal, will be rescheduled for Wednesday, September 4.
