PVL to unveil challenge system

A bigger and better Premier Volleyball League gets underway as it implements the use of a challenge system when it stages the Reinforced Conference starting Saturday.

Ricky Palou, president of PVL organizer Sports Vision, confirmed on Wednesday the introduction of the technology in the import-laden tournament to enhance the officiating in the first and only women's professional volleyball league in the country.

"We have already ordered and paid for the video challenge," Palou said during the press conference of the nine-team season-ending tournament held at the Discovery Suites in Pasig City.

He, however, clarified that there would be a possible delay in the actual use of the challenge system due to logistical issues.

"I don't know, for some reason, they're saying that the cameras are not ready but the order has been there, they promised to deliver it, and we're still waiting for it," Palou said.

"But we will definitely have a video challenge and we're just hoping that it will get here in time for the opening."

PVL teams, and even volleyball fans, have been clamoring for the use of the challenge system to adhere to the international standards of officiating. The use of a challenge system will allow coaches to request a review or challenge a call or non-call of game officials.

Sports Vision Marketing head Fred Fateh said that the equipment is expected to be ready by 25 October.

"We have asked for it to be shipped on the fastest available and I anticipate it will take three to four days to arrive here, and around three to four days to get it cleared from customs," he said.

"My anticipation is probably the 25th of October we will have it. We will miss a few games but it will be here."

Returning import Lindsay Stalzer of F2 Logistics led the elite list of reinforcements present during the press conference along with team captains and coaches of participating teams.

Also present were PLDT's Russian import Elina Savkina-Samoilenko, Cignal's American reinforcement Tai Bierria, American Lindsey Vander Weide of Petro Gazz, Dominican Republic national team player Prisilla Rivera of newcomer Akari, Canadian spiker Laura Condotta of Army, Creamline's Turkish import Yeliz Basa, Uzbek-Azerbaijani outside hitter Odina Aliyeva of Choco Mucho and Chery Tiggo's Jelena Cvijovic of Montenegro.

PLDT will take on Army in the opening day playdate at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex.

Game time is set at 2:30 p.m. and will be followed by the Cignal-Akari clash at 5:30 p.m.