With a spot in the finals on the line, Akari outlasted PLDT in a thrilling five-set match, 25-22, 18-25, 22-25, 26-24, 17-15, during the knockout semifinals of the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Chargers rallied from a 1-2 set deficit and overcame a 12-14 disadvantage in the final frame to defeat the High Speed Hitters, securing their first-ever finals appearance in franchise history.
Ivy Lacsina delivered a crucial cross-court kill to save a point, and a pivotal moment came when PLDT’s mid-rally challenge was ruled unsuccessful.
That granted Akari a free point, leveling the score at 14-all.
A long rally saw Ezra Madrigal inadvertently brush her left shoulder against the net after a block attempt.
This prompted the High Speed Hitters coaching staff to request a challenge, which extended for almost 10 minutes.
Ultimately, the challenge was deemed unsuccessful as Madrigal was no longer involved in the play, awarding a point to the Chargers.
According to section 11.3.2 of the FIVB rulebook, “Players may touch the post, ropes, or any other object outside the antennae, including the net itself, provided that it does not interfere with the play.”
Here is the video of the play:
🎥 PVL pic.twitter.com/M76F26LzLB
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Following the delay, Fiola Ceballos managed to push PLDT to match point, but Grethcel Soltones responded with consecutive attacks.
Lena Samoilenko’s subsequent attack error proved costly, giving Akari the victory after nearly three hours of intense action.
(C) PVL Images
Chargers head coach Taka Minowa reflected on the match, saying, “You saw Greta [Soltones], Oly [Okaro], and Ivy [Lacsina]… Also, we’re not fully happy because of what happened to the last point. But I think we did well, and PLDT was also doing well – more than what we expected.”
Oly Okaro led Akari with 39 points from 35 attacks and four blocks, while Lacsina added 19 points, including 17 attacks, one ace, and one block.
Grethcel Soltones contributed 16 markers and 12 excellent digs.
Kamille Cal provided 18 excellent sets, and Dani Ravena finished with 17 excellent receptions and 11 excellent digs.
Akari will aim to secure its first title in league history when they face the winner of the Creamline-Cignal semifinals match-up on Monday at 6:00 PM at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
(C) PVL Images
For PLDT, Lena Samoilenko concluded her second stint with the team with 30 points, including 28 attacks, one ace, and one block. She also had 12 excellent receptions.
Erika Santos scored 15 points, all from attacks, while Fiola Ceballos had an all-around performance with 14 points, 22 receptions, and 22 digs.
Kim Fajardo provided 20 excellent sets, and team captain Kath Arado added 19 excellent digs.
