Written on the shirt are the words "PUSONG PLDT" for the High Speed Hitters, who aim for a strong finish in the Reinforced Conference.
United as one are the PLDT High Speed Hitters.
The High Speed Hitters wore black shirts during the warm-up before their bronze medal encounter against the Cignal HD Spikers on Wednesday, September 4.
Written on the warm-up shirts are the words “PUSONG PLDT".
This is the first time that PLDT hit the taraflex after their controversy-filled semifinal loss against the Akari Chargers last Saturday, August 31.
[ALSO READ: PVL semis: No. 1 Akari charges to first-ever Finals after frustrating PLDT in five sets]
That match featured a much talked-about controversial ending that saw the High Speed issued a challenge on a Ezra Madrigal net touch only for the referee to award the point to eventual winner Akari.
PLDT even filed a complaint over the call but the PVL dismissed their appeal eventually.
League commissioner Sherwin Malonzo explained the referees' decision, based on the FIVB 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.
[ALSO READ: PVL explains controversial unsuccessful challenge by PLDT against Akari in Reinforced Conference semis]
"The High Speed Hitters are in the business of inspiring the next generation of athletes who will one day play in the big leagues. So to the kids watching all of this unfold, whatever adversity that comes along the way, please continue to fight. Because we will," PLDT said in a statement.
[ALSO READ: PLDT High Speed Hitters say protest over net touch challenge vs. Akari junked by PVL]
The High Speed Hitters aim for their first-ever podium since entering the league in 2021 while the HD Spikers eye a fifth bronze medal in franchise history.