THE much-awaited rematch between Akari and PLDT was set to close out PVL hostilities this year on December 14.
Instead, the match has been rescheduled to the All-Filipino Conference’s first 2025 game day on January 18.
PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort bared how a supposed request from Akari green-lit by the league led to the scheduling change.
“May game kami ng [December] 14 sa Akari. Ni-request nilang i-move ng January 18 dahil marami na raw silang games. Na-approve naman dahil ‘yun nga ‘yung schedule,” said Ricafort.
However, the PVL and Akari vehemently denied this claim, with the league stating that the schedule changes was long settled - with all teams being consulted before making such changes.
Later on, Ricafort expressed his regret in dragging Akari to the conversation stating that he only intended to talk about his team's plans for the upcoming break, but didn't comment any further.
The Galeries Tower - Chery Tiggo and Cignal - Petro Gazz matches, however, will continue as scheduled on the 14th.
As a result, the High Speed Hitters have been dealt a hectic opening stretch to 2025.
Following their Akari grudge match, PLDT will take on Choco Mucho (Jan. 23) and sister team Cignal (Jan. 28) to complete a trifecta of powerhouse matches upon the league’s post-Christmas break resumption.
Another three-match stretch will finish off PLDT’s elimination round campaign in February against Farm Fresh (Feb. 4), defending champion Creamline (Feb. 15) and ZUS Coffee (Feb. 18).
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