Controversy erupted during the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference semifinals, as PLDT's challenge for a net touch against Akari in the decisive 5th set at match point was ruled unsuccessful after a lengthy review.
Late-game controversy marred the intense semifinal showdown between the PLDT High Speed Hitters and the Akari Chargers in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference on Saturday, August 31, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
With a 14-13 lead in the decisive fifth set, PLDT stood on the brink of securing its first-ever Finals appearance in the PVL.
However, as the tension mounted during the rally for match point, Akari middle blocker Ezra Madrigal appeared to brush her shoulder against the bottom tape of the net, prompting PLDT to challenge the play for a potential net touch.
The challenge led to a dramatic delay, as officials took more than 10 minutes to review the possible infraction. When the ruling was finally announced as an unsuccessful challenge, it sparked frustration and confusion among PLDT’s coaching staff and players.
Seizing the momentum, Akari’s Grethcel Soltones delivered a two crucial hits, bringing her team to their own match point after the High Speed Hitters initially regained the advantage. A rattled PLDT faltered as Elena Samoilenko’s spike failed to clear the net, sealing their fate.
Why was the net touch challenge unsuccessful?
PVL Commissioner Sherwin Malonzo addressed the controversy after the match, shedding light on the referees' decision by referencing the FIVB’s casebook.
“In the FIVB 3.17 casebook, it states: ‘After a blocker landed securely, he turned and hit the mesh of the net between the antennae with his/her shoulder. Should this have been called a fault? No, because the action of playing the ball was complete before he/she turned, the contact with the net is not a fault,’” Malonzo explained.
He further clarified that since Madrigal had already established her position with both feet on the ground before making contact with the net, the referees ruled that it was not a fault.
“Sa case nga kanina, wala na ‘yung action of playing the ball dun sa net when she twisted. The play was already with Oly [Okaro] going to the setter. Kumbaga wala na siya kinalaman,” said Malonzo.
Why wasn’t the play shown on screen?
Malonzo also addressed why the challenge review was not shown on the live broadcast, stating that the complexity of the interpretation required technical expertise to explain it properly.
“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 Malonzo.
What if the net touch happens in the front area?
Commissioner Malonzo provided further clarification on what would have happened if the net touch occurred in the front area of the court.
“Not necessarily kasi for example, hinulog ni PLDT [‘yung bola] tapos may nag-dig, si blocker ganun din same action, pagka-land niya ng both feet on the ground tsaka siya pumihit, pag pihit tsaka siya nag-touch the net, except kung papunta sa kanya ‘yung bola,” said Malonzo.
“Kung nasa front area nangyari tapos ‘yung nag dig ng bola tapos pag pihit ni blocker tsaka siya nag-touch the net kasi sa kanya na papunta ‘yung play, she’s already part of the play then it’s a net touch,” he added.
With the call standing, Akari will make it to its first-ever PVL Finals, with the Chargers also carrying a perfect 10-0 record.
Watch the full explanation below: