PVL explains crucial non-call in PLDT-Akari semis clash; High Speed Hitters to file protest

The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) cleared the air on the crucial non-call during the fifth set of the knockout semifinals match between PLDT and Akari on Saturday night, which eventually saw the Chargers cruising to the finals for the first time ever. 

In the deciding frame, the High Speed Hitters moved a point away from picking up the victory after an Erika Santos opposite kill that sent them to a 14-13 cushion. PLDT coaching staff then called for a video challenge in the middle of the next play, claiming Akari's middle blocker Ezra Madrigal touched the net which, if successful, would have won the game for PLDT. 

After a long discussion, the challenge was deemed otherwise and Akari was awarded the point that forced a 14-all deadlock. 

That spelled a huge difference in the succeeding plays with Grethcel Soltones scoring back-to-back points for a 16-15 Akari lead before a back attack error from Lena Samoilenko ultimately catapulted the Chargers to the win and to its breakthrough finale stint. 

PVL cited an international rule that was the basis of its decision to not grant the point to PLDT. 

According to the cited FIVB rule, players may touch the net "provided that it does not interfere with the play." The rules also state that when a blocker hits the net after securing her landing, it won't be deemed an infraction "because the action of playing the ball was complete before he turned, the contact with the net is not a fault."

In the case of Madrigal, she was not whistled for a net fault as her teammate Oly Okaro had already made a dig even before the former touched the net. The league also showed a video explainer of what happened.

Re: Match incident between PLDT vs. Akari

FIVB rules on Contact with the Net pic.twitter.com/1mFLQoOaIE

— Premier Volleyball League (@pvlph) August 31, 2024

Meanwhile, PLDT management said it will file a complaint before the PVL Board in bid to get clarification on the matter.

"We are overwhelmed with the support we are getting not only from our loyal PLDT supporters but also from the Philippine volleyball fans across multiple fandoms who have been encouraging us to file a protest to bring some sense of integrity into the sport we all love," PLDT said in a statement. 

"In this regard, we have officially filed a complaint with the PVL Board."

??‍???? pic.twitter.com/6Fk5JHqLhr

— PLDT High Speed Hitters (@speedhitters) September 1, 2024

PVL has yet to respond to the protest made by PLDT with only a day left before Akari duke it out in the championship round against Creamline on Monday.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News