By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The PLDT High-Speed Hitters recently got disconnected after the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) denied their protest regarding a crucial non-call on a net touch committed by the Akari Power Chargers in the fifth set of their semifinal duel of the Reinforced Conference.
“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,” the High-Speed Hitters shared on their official Facebook page.
During the fifth set of their semifinal clash against Akari, PLDT had the chance to bag the win and punch a grand finals ticket after reaching match point, 14-13.
In the active rally exchange, PLDT decided to call a challenge after their players and the whole coaching staff felt that Akari’s Ezra Madrigal committed a net touch violation.
Unfortunately for the High-Speed Hitters, the PVL committee didn’t grant their challenge and it was officially ruled as unsuccessful. The point was also given to Akari who leveled the game at 14-all.
In the different videos posted on social media, Madrigal was seen making contact with the net when she twisted her body after a block attempt.
That then became PLDT’s basis for their protest, stating that Madrigal clearly touched the net and it should have been called a violation.
If that net touch was called, the High-Speed Hitters could’ve won the semifinal game and will square off with the Creamline Cool Smashers for the Reinforced Conference championship title.
On the other hand, the PVL defended their stand that the specific scenario involving Madrigal was a legal play under the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) rules.
PVL commissioner Sherwin Malonzo shared that this play is under section 11.3.2 of the FIVB 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.”
When Madrigal committed the net touch, the ball was already in the back row, where Akari import Oly Okaro went for a dig.
“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,” added PLDT.
Meanwhile, the highly anticipated PVL Reinforced Conference championship showdown between the unbeaten Akari Chargers and the multi-titled Creamline Cool Smashers has been postponed due to severe weather conditions.
Originally set for Monday, Sept. 2, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the match has been rescheduled to Sept. 4 (Wednesday) at the Philsports Arena in Pasig, as announced by the organizing Sports Vision.
“Due to severe weather conditions caused by Tropical Storm ‘Enteng,’ the one-game finale between Akari and Creamline has been moved to Sept. 4,” Sports Vision stated. “Our top priority is the safety of our players and fans.”
Typhoon “Enteng” has caused widespread flooding throughout Metro Manila, including the roads leading to the Cubao venue, making travel hazardous for both participants and spectators.
