The Akari Chargers are into the PVL Reinforced Conference Finals after a controversial conclusion to their semis matchup.
The dream run continues for Akari after dispatching the PLDT High Speed Hitters in five sets before a packed Mall of Asia Arena.
Akari now heads to their maiden Finals appearance, while scoring their first-ever victory against the High Speed Hitters and extending their winning streak to 10 straight.
PLDT is a veteran team, led by returning Lena Samoilenko, and stalwarts Fiola Ceballos and Erika Santos. Former F2 stars Kim Fajardo and Majoy Baron have also found their footing.
“Not full happy because of what happened at the last point. But I think we did well. And also, PLDT was doing really well. More than what we expected. That’s also why we’re having a hard time, especially number 5, Erika [Santos],” head coach Taka Minowa said.
“So, we’re still learning a lot. And we still need to improve. Especially, like, young players. We have a lot of young players.”
As is, Akari has already defied their own expectations. Heading into the conference, a playoffs, or even finals berth was the last goal on their minds.
“‘Yun nga, happy, and parang sabi nga ni coach Taka, marami pa kaming kailangan ayusin. Actually hindi talaga namin inexpect. Target namin is maka [6th] or 5th spot,” said Gretchel Soltones,” who scored 16 points alongside 12 excellent digs against PLDT.
Yet after today, they’re three sets away from winning an elusive PVL title. From struggling to go past five wins, Akari has established themselves as contenders moving forward.
But for top local Ivy Lacsina, what’s important is they’ve put in the work this conference.
“Ang iniisip lang namin is magtrabaho lang kami. Gawin lang namin ‘yung nasa plan and ‘yung nasa system. Wala na kaming ibang iisipin and kung ibigay man samin ‘to ni Lord, manalo man kami ngayong season, bonus na ‘yon. Ang importante, nag all out kami ngayong season,” Lacsina said after scoring 19 points, including a pair of clutch kills in the fifth set.
Controversial ending
But the game was marred by an endgame controversy. PLDT was at match point, 14-13, before calling for a challenge against a supposed net touch. Amid a crucial rally, Akari’s Ezra Madrigal seemingly committed a net touch after going for a block.
After a 10-minute deliberation, PLDT’s challenge was deemed unsuccessful. As it was a mid-rally challenge, Akari was given a point, which set up the final conclusion.
PVL commissioner Sherwin Malonzo explained their decision postgame, citing the 2024 FIVB Casebook provision on playing action.
The provision reads: “After a blocker landed securely, he turned and hit the mesh of the net between the antennae with his shoulder. Should this have been called a fault?”
“No. Because the action of playing the ball was complete before he turned, the contact with the net is not a fault.”
“Ang nangyari, there was no fault. Because na-establish na ‘yung dalawang paa, ‘yung position before she [Madrigal] turned. And then at the same time, ‘yun lang, nag mid-rally challenge si PLDT,” explains Malonzo.
“Na ang consequence ng mid-rally challenge, in this case, unsuccessful…puntos ng kalaban [Akari]…pag naging successful, puntos nila [ng PLDT].”
The replay wasn’t shown either on live broadcast, which stirred more controversy. After all, replays are always shown whenever a team goes for a challenge in the PVL.
Malonzo assured that teams were shown the replay. However, live broadcast was excluded, as to avoid more public confusion.
“Di ko alam kung marerelay nang mabilis sa mga anchor. Kasi ang worry lang namin, is ‘yung interpretation, it takes a while to explain. Kung gagawin ni panel ‘yon, we need to have a technical person [in the panel] to explain it,” he said.
“Kasi we have a notion na when you touch the net, bawal. Walang pinagkaiba ‘yan. To simplify, when I touch the net, habang nandoon sa likod, walang violation ‘yon. Ganun ‘yung case niya, kasi hinawakan niya ‘yung net, AFTER establishing her feet on the floor. Iba ‘yung habang pabagsak siya, nagtouch sa net.”
Banner image courtesy of the Premier Volleyball League.