Published by: Annika Howie Quizana
Date Published: September 9, 2024
Time Published: 2:00 PM
In a nail-biting match, Akari defeated PLDT in five-set thriller, 25-23, 18-25, 22-25, 26-24, 17-15, during the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference semifinals, at the Mall of Asia on August 31.
The atmosphere was incredibly tense before the last set began. With the score at 14-13, a controversial moment arose when Ezra Madrigal brushed her left shoulder against the net after a block attempt.
The High Speed Hitters challenged a net fault, but the challenge was unsuccessful and denied by the officials.
According to the FIVB rulebook, Section 11.3.2, "Players may touch the post, ropes, or any other object outside the antenna, including the net itself, provided that it does not interfere with play." This rule was a central point of argument in the final moments of the match.
Sherwin Malonzo commented on the situation, stating, "There was no fault because her position was already established, with both feet planted, before she turned." However, no video footage of the incident was released to prevent further confusion.
Gretchel Soltones gave the Chargers an early boost with two quick points. However, the Chargers soon faced a setback with a miscue, allowing Majoy Baron from the High Speed Hitters to score.
Consequently, the High Speed Hitters took the lead with four consecutive points. Despite this setback, the Chargers rallied to win the set 25-23, with Soltones’ decisive attack that secured the set.
In the second and third sets, the High Speed Hitters showed what they could do, taking control and clinching both sets 25-18 and 25-22.
Lena Samoilenko led the way with her exceptional attacks and key aces, while Kar Fajardo contributed with a series of crucial service aces.
The game was intensely competitive, with scores staying close throughout and multiple ties adding to the suspense.
Defending their title, the Chargers made an impressive comeback in the fourth set, leveling the match at 2-2. Ivy Lacsina played a pivotal role, delivering a crucial service ace led her team to a 26-24 victory in the set.
After a 10-minute delay, Fiona Ceballos scored twice, bringing the score to 15-14. In response, Gretchel Soltones smashed consecutive attacks that leveled the score.
Samoilenko fell towards the end of the set, enabled the Chargers secured the final set 17-15, advancing to the PVL Reinforced Conference finals.
Akari will face the Creamline Smashers in their quest for a first-ever title in league history.
REFERENCES:
[1] Caacbay, K. (2024, August 31). No net fault: PVL explains controversial call in Akari-PLDT game. ABSCBN NEWS. https://news.abs-cbn.com/.../no-net-fault-pvl-explains
[2] Volleyball net rule. (2021, January 1). Strength and Power Volleyball. https://www.strength-and-power-for-volleyball.com/net
[3] Dannug, J. (2024, September 01). Akari triumphs over PLDT in dramatic semis, secures spot in first-ever PVL Final. Tiebreakertimes. https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/.../akari-triumphs.../310912
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