Black Magic takes Rocball opener

Black Magic dominated three of the four sets played and went on to make an impressive debut in the 2005 World Organized Rocball High School League by defeating Malat, 57-44, at the Marianas High School Gymnasium.

The match actually needed two days to be completed and began Tuesday before finally concluding yesterday.

As reported earlier, Black Magic took the court by storm on Tuesday and easily claimed the first set, 15-5, with J.J. Maliti connecting for a goal to highlight the charge.

Despite several first serve miscues to start the second set, Black Magic managed to keep their game rolling. Malat put up a better fight, but still found themselves in a hole after losing the set by a point, 15-16, and trailing 20-31 in the overall tally.

Action resumed 24 hours later, and the new day seemed to favor Malat as the team came in with fuel power that overmatched Black Magic in the third set. The Magic crew was actually up 10-7, but quickly saw their lead evaporate as veteran Jennifer Somol stepped up to the service line and drilled three straight aces to put her team ahead. Somol served for the final eight points of the set, lifting Malat to a 15-10 victory.

With the win, Malat sliced their deficit to just six points, 35-41.

The early goings of the fourth set was tightly fought with Black Magic opening with a 4-3 advantage.

The lead ballooned as Black Magic’s Frank Saito duplicated what Somol did for her team by pounding in consecutive aces and a xunk to put Black Magic ahead, 10-3.

Malat was able to recover and inched closer, but suffered a huge blow courtesy of hard hitter Julius Saito, who smacked the ball pass all defenders and into the goal to give Black Magic match point, 15-9. The team was able to close out the match on the next serve and scored the season’s first win.

Frank Saito finished with 10 points to lead Black Magic after connecting for three aces and two xunks, while Dean Matthew supported him with eight points apiece. Matthew had an ace, a xunk, and two kees.

Somol finished with 10 points for Malat after serving five aces.

Rocball action continues today as defending champion Mwaliyas takes on Caropino. Other teams competing are the Lagooners, Just For Fun, B-n-S, and Ochobu. For more information about the CNMI’s indigenous sport, contact Rocball creator James Feger at 664-3810.