The intense semifinal match-up between Akari and PLDT was already thrilling, but a mid-rally challenge by PLDT in the fifth set added an extra layer of drama to the game.
With the High Speed Hitters just a point away from victory at 14-13, Ezra Madrigal brushed her shoulders against the net during a long rally, prompting PLDT to call for a mid-rally net challenge.
However, the challenge was deemed unsuccessful, leading to an uproar from fans both in the arena and online.
The unsuccessful challenge resulted in a point being awarded to the Chargers, which proved to be a turning point in the match.
This pivotal moment sparked an Akari comeback and ultimately secured their historic victory, earning them their first-ever finals appearance in franchise history.
So why was the challenge ruled unsuccessful despite Madrigal’s apparent contact with the net?
PVL Commissioner Sherwin Malonzo addressed the issue shortly after the match.
He clarified that the decision was based on section 11.3.2 of the FIVB rulebook, which states, “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.”
Malonzo explained that in this case, the play had already moved away from Madrigal and the net, as Akari import Oly Okaro had dug the ball towards Kamille Cal.
Therefore, calling a net fault on Madrigal was no longer valid.
Here is the video of the play:
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“Sa case nga kanina, wala na ‘yung action of playing the ball doon sa net when she twisted. The play was already with Oly going to the setter, kumbaga wala na siyang kinalaman,” Malonzo said.
He further explained, “There was no fault because na-establish na ‘yung position, ‘yung dalawang paa before she turned. At the same time, ‘yun lang, nag-mid-rally si PLDT. The consequence of doing a mid-rally challenge kapag na-deny kayo or unsuccessful, puntos ng kalaban ‘yun.”
Malonzo added that if the challenge had been successful, refs would have awarded PLDT the point. However, based on the referees’ interpretation and the FIVB casebook, since the action was away from the play, it was not considered a net fault.
“Kung naging successful, puntos nila. Kaso like ‘yung interpretation ng referees natin and casebook ng FIVB which we followed, since it’s away from play, it’s not a net fault.”
He also clarified that a replay of what transpired was shown to both teams before the official announcement.
“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.”
