Mwaliyas continue to roll in Rocball

Defending champion Mwaliyas continues to have a remarkable season after notching its sixth straight victory in the ongoing 2005 World Organized Rocball High School League.

Comprised of veterans of the Rocball court, Mwaliyas kept its perfect record intact after stumping Malat in o-kon yesterday at the Marianas High School Gymnasium.

The team came ready to play and dominated the opening set en route to a 16-7 victory.

Unfortunately for Malat, Pedro Iguel, Shane Yamada, and the rest of the Mwaliyas smackers were just getting started as they came out stronger in the second set and blanked their opponents. Iguel punched in a goal that made it 11-0, and it was cruise control from there as the team saw their lead balloon with a 16-0 victory.

As a result of the skunk, Mwaliyas headed into the third set with a comfortable 32-7 lead.

Showing the warriors in them, the Malat players remained determined and continued to fight despite their big deficit. Jordan Atkinson came up huge for Malat and scored big points to spearhead a comeback charge that pushed Malat to a 16-10 victory.

Malat, however, was still down by 19 points, 23-42, and was in a must win situation in order to stay in contention and force overtime.

Knowing they had to win, Malat came through in the clutch and dominated the fourth set to keep their hopes alive. Mwaliyas, known for its high scoring play, was out of rhythm in the set and only managed to score four points, while giving Malat 16 points, resulting in the match heading into o-kon.

Mwaliyas’ strong play in the first two sets, however, became key as the team needed to win only one set in o-kon while Malat had to win two sets because Mwaliyas still led, 46-36, after regulation.

Itching to get the game over with, Mwaliyas quickly put an end to Malat’ upset hopes with one hit that stunned their opponents.

Malat had advantage after winning the coin toss and getting first serve. Atkinson was successful in getting his serve over the net, however, it was bumped by Iguel, who made a high pass to Darrel Roligat.

Roligat, who was on the backcourt at the time playing as goalie, took some running steps, timed the ball perfectly, and slammed in a goal that ended the game.

O-kon sets are won by the team that reaches 10 points first or scores a goal.

Ken Tanzawa was the game’s heavy hitter and led Mwaliyas with 14 points after connecting for five aces, a xunk, and a kee, while Yamada supported with 12 points on four aces and two kees.

Atkinson led Malat with 10 points courtesy of two aces and three kees.

Rocball action continues today with Black Magic battling B-n-S.

For more information about high school Rocball, contact sport creator James Feger at 664-3801.