CHICAGO - Bad beats and heartbreaking losses are a part of sports. They are experiences that teach us about resilience and resolve.
But what happened to the PLDT Speed Hitters in the PVL Reinforced Conference knockout semifinals against the Akari Chargers last Saturday went beyond painful.
It was cruel, undeserved.
READ PLDT pulls out of PVL Invitational - but not because of controversial loss
At matchpoint, 14-13, in Set 5, a rally ensued where Akari's Ezra Madrigal appeared to have committed a net fault while attempting to block a potential kill hit by Mika Reyes.
Immediately, PLDT challenged.
But just as quickly, as if a Grab was waiting for him outside the MOA, First Referee Patrick Castillo ignored the challenge without the benefit of a video replay.
After a huddle with the technical committee, the point was subsequently awarded to Akari which used the momentum to escape with the victory.
Replays are meant to be instant, not distant and late. Unless there is something to hide, or worse. protect.
A wedding is scheduled on Mondaywhere Akari and Cramline will meet at the altar of the PVL finals.
That must be stopped. PLDT has filed a protest. The Speed Hitters have spoken and they will never, ever hold their peace.
As shown by the photographic evidence and FIVB rules citations in their protest letter, a net fault occurred.
The Speed Hitters were victims where young women's dreams were ripped out of their souls. Instead of reveling in the joy of a championship appearance, there's just darkness and despair.
LITMUS TEST.
PVL commissioner Sherwin Malonzo needs to do the right thing. Anything less leaves a question mark on his ability to lead.
I pray that PVL owners Tony Liao and Ricky Palou, a man I fiercely admire for his vision and intellect, will fit this mess.
I don't think they'd want their product to regress like the PBA.
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