Majoy Baron and the PLDT High Speed Hitters bench during a crucial stretch in the PVL Reinforced Conference semifinals match against Akari Chargers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — The end game between Akari and PLDT’s knockout semifinal match in the PVL Reinforced Conference was marred by a controversial call in the decisive fifth set as the High Speed Hitters’ call for a net fault was ruled unsuccessful.
Holding on at match point, 14-13, PLDT called for a video challenge calling for a net touch on the Akari’s Ezra Madrigal that could’ve awarded the High Speed Hitters the winning point.
But the officials ruled against the challenge, letting the Chargers force a deuce at 14-all and eventually complete a come-from-behind win for a breakthrough PVL Finals stint.
READ: PVL: Akari ousts PLDT in controversial finish to advance to final
The High Speed Hitters–from their coaching staff and their players, including Majoy Baron–heavily contested the unsuccessful challenge. Even on social media, fans have voiced displeasure over the crucial call.
After the game, PVL commissioner Sherwin Malonzo cited the FIVB rulebook regarding contact with the net, saying that Ezra Madrigal had not committed a net fault with both her feet already on the floor and that the contact with the net was a second motion away from ball play.
WATCH: Here's the replay of the crucial call.
The PVL said that PLDT’s challenge deemed unsuccessful as Madrigal already landed her feet, while Okaro was able to dig the ball. #PVL2024 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/hFQJXF52q0
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) August 31, 2024
“There was no fault because na-establish na ‘yung position, ‘yung dalawang paa before she turned. At the same time, ‘yun lang, nag mid-rally si PLDT. The consequence of doing a mid-rally challenge kapag na-deny kayo or unsuccessful, puntos ng kalaban ‘yun,” Malonzo told reporters.
PVL Commissioner Sherwin Malonzo explaining the rationale behind the unsuccessful net fault challenge of PLDT. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
“Kung naging successful, puntos nila kaso like ‘yung interpretation ng referees natin and casebook ng FIVB which we followed, since it’s away from play, it’s not a net fault.”
Malonzo specified parts 3.17, 11.3.1 and 11.3.2 in the FIVB rulebook, which read:
LIVE UPDATES: 2024 PVL Reinforced semis August 31
“11.3.1. Contact with the net by a player between the antennae during the action of playing the ball is a fault. The action playing the ball includes among others taking off, hits or attempt to hit, or landing safely then touching net, and ready for a new action.”
“11.3.2. the players may touch the post, ropes or any other object outside the antennae, including the net itself, provided it does not interfere with the play.”
Malonzo said in Madriga’s case, there was “no action of playing the ball on the net when she twisted. The play was already with Oly going to the setter.”
“Kumbaga wala na siya kinalaman,” the commissioner said.
SCHEDULE: 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference semis and final
Malonzo clarified that the challenge wasn’t shown on the screen and broadcast to avoid confusion, saying that both teams saw the challenge clip.
“We showed it to the teams, not sa live broadcast, kasi hindi ko alam kung ma-relay ng mabilis sa mga anchors kasi ang worry lang namin is ‘yung interpretation, it takes a while to explain. Kung gagawin ni panel, we need to have a technical person to explain it,” said the PVL commissioner.
After the deflating decision, PLDT was still able to take the lead courtesy of Fiola Ceballos, but Grethcel Soltone’s back-to-back kills and Lena Samoilenko’s attack error helped Akari to its first PVL finals appearance with a 25-22, 18-25, 22-25, 26-24, 17-15 victory.
PLDT declined interviews after a heartbreaking loss, but Malonzo shared that the team was firm in its belief that there was a net touch violation.
Akari coach Taka Minowa, meanwhile, believes the unsuccessful challenge was valid.
“Actually before they announced it, they already showed the video. And then, if someone knows about the volleyball rules, after landing, and then you don’t touch the net, and the ball was already going to the back side, after that, it’s not going to be a net touch. Even if someone touches the net, the ball is already going to the back side so it’s okay,” he said.
“The official also is like “no problem”. I won’t, I really won’t… Volleyball fans is not gonna make it an issue or some gossip. Because clearly, it’s no problem.”