PLDT says PVL 'junked' protest on crucial non-call in semis match vs Akari

The PLDT High Speed Hitters said the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) "junked" its protest on the crucial non-call of the league's referee during the semifinals match against the Akari Chargers on Saturday.

The non-call happened on the fifth set of the PLDT vs Akari semis when the High Speed Hitters called for a net touch challenge but was denied and Akari was handed the point. Akari eventually won the match.

"We sadly share the news that the Premier Volleyball League has decided to junk our protest regarding their referee's decision to not call a net touch on a crucial juncture of our match versus Akari in the semifinals," PLDT said in a statement.

The team said it was a "horrible experience" but is proud of fighting for integrity "not just of our team but of the entirety of Philippine volleyball."

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

On Saturday, the league cited FIVB rules saying 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." 

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

PLDT will face Cignal in the battle for third on Monday before Akari vies for the crown against Creamline.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News