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Black Magic stun Mwaliyas to take Game 1
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Posted on Mar 07 2006
Defending champion Mwaliyas’ perfect run came to an end yesterday as No. 4 seed Black Magic did what no team was able to do this season.
With a slot in the finals of the 2006 World Organized Rocball High School League on the line, Black Magic rallied in the fourth set, put up strong stops to prevent Mwaliyas from winning, and took Game 1 of their best-of-three series, 62-56, at the Marianas High School Gymnasium.
As reported earlier, the match began on Monday with Black Magic taking the first set, 16-11, and Mwaliyas coming back strong with a 16-9 second set victory.
The two teams continued to match each other well in the third set. Only half the set was played on Monday as students had to return to class with Black Magic ahead, 7-6.
Action resumed with the same intensity as both teams continued to push with all their might. Black Magic, however, was able to slip by and edge Mwaliyas, 17-15. With the win, Black Magic held a four-point advantage heading into the final set of regulation.
Determined to keep their perfect record intact, Mwaliyas, who last lost a match in last year’s finals, put up a desperate charge. The Mwaliyas smackers looked like they were in control and were just a point away from coming from behind as they worked up their advantage and held set point, 15-11.
Black Magic was able to put up strong stops against set point twice and rallied from behind to take the set and seal the deal, 18-16.
Pedro Iguel of Mwaliyas was the game’s heavy hitter with 14 points on three aces and four kees, while Darrel Roligat supported him with eight points on four kees.
Dior Jones led Black Magic with 12 points after connecting for an ace and five kees.
Game 2 of the series begins today at 11:30am and is expected to conclude tomorrow.
Mwaliyas must win to keep their hopes of a repeat alive, while a win by Black Magic will assure them a slot in the finals.
Whoever wins the series will battle Ochobu in a best-of-five series.
For more information, contact high school Rocball creator Jim Feger at 237-3235.
