PLDT moves forward from controversial semis loss vs Akari

New year, fresh start.

PLDT is ready to move on from its controversial encounter against Akari last year, which saw the High Speed Hitters absorb a 25-22, 18-25, 22-25, 26-24, 17-15 loss during the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference semifinals last August. 

The incident occurred when PLDT was only a point away from booking a finals berth with a 14-13 lead in the fifth set. The High Speed Hitter then called for a net touch challenge mid-rally in the next play, but officials ruled against PLDT that allowed Akari to tie things up at 14-all. 

The Chargers went on winning the match to march to their first-ever finals appearance. The issue, however, did not die down right away with PLDT filing a protest afterwards, but the call was maintained by the league.

Almost five months later, the two teams met anew on the court with PLDT coming away with the victory this time around after 25-22, 25-16, 25-15 victory to start their year in the PVL All-Filipino Conference on Saturday night.

But the High Speed Hitters insisted that a victory, not revenge, was the only thing in their mind.

"I think the most important part is winning our first game of 2025, let alone the rivalry. It’s good to have one more in our win bracket and just going into this year on a high note," said Savi Davison, who didn't suit up during the controversial semis match.

"That’s all I wanted to do, help my team with whatever I can give in any way possible. I know it was difficult for us to get through that last year but coming back strong really and taking them [down] in three [sets] really meant a lot for us."

Moving forward, PLDT wants to make sure their heads are always in the present and hopefully, that win over Akari sets the tone for the championship-seeking High Speed Hitters. 

"Ako personally hindi ko naman dinadala kung ano man ‘yung nangyari last year kasi iba naman ‘yung composition ng team namin ngayon and we’re just focused doon sa task," Majoy Baron added.

"And we treat each game na same lang. Level lang din ‘yung emotion kasi gusto namin na focused lang kami and magawa namin ‘yung job namin sa court."

—JKC, GMA Integrated News