Bad blood boiling between PLDT, Akari?

There’s no love lost between PLDT and Akari.

So, when these teams cross paths to open the resumption of action in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on 18 January at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City expect nothing but an all-out war.

No one is more excited about the two teams’ first meeting since the controversial semifinals of last year’s Reinforced Conference than PLDT star Savi Davison.

“I think rivalries are so interesting. I love being part of them. It just makes everything so much better and so much heavier. You know what I mean? It makes the win sweeter, makes the losses harder,” the Filipino-Canadian hitter said.

Unfortunately, Davison was sidelined by a knee injury when the High Speed Hitters dropped a stinging controversy-marred five-setter against eventual runners-up Chargers.

That game saw PLDT move a match point away from a breakthrough finals appearance only to allow Akari a chance to force a deuce when the High Speed Hitters got called for a net violation that was unsuccessful after review.

PLDT got back in front but the Chargers behind Grethcel Soltones rallied to steal the win.

Social media was abuzz after that game as both parties released statements regarding the controversial match.

“So, I’m in that case, like, of course, I’m excited to play Akari because we have that chip on our shoulder,” said Davison, the season-opening tournament’s third leading scorer averaging 23.8 points per game.

Adding fuel to the fire, PLDT coach Rald Ricafort stirred emotions when he mentioned Akari’s granted change of schedule, which was done before the start of the conference. The two teams were originally scheduled to battle on 14 December.

The High Speed Hitters carry a 3-2 win-loss record while the Chargers are tied with Choco Mucho with identical 3-3 slates.

The stakes are high now for both teams as they are not only facing off in a rivalry match but also for a favorable position in the preliminary round standing in the six-month tournament.

And it’s something Davison is looking forward to.

“Like it’s something to come back for, right? We owe them one, right?” she said.

“So, of course, I’m excited, but there’s intent from the whole team, right? So, I’m just trying to add to that.”