Mwaliyas win second straight

Defending champion Mwaliyas won its second straight game yesterday after stuffing Black Magic to start the second round of the ongoing World Organized Rocball Community League at the Marianas High School Gymnasium.

Black Magic had several shiny moments in the bout, but the defending champs were just too much too handle. With things going their way, Mwaliyas was able to cruise to a 60-38 victory.

Mwaliyas was able to grab the early advantage connecting for seven two-point shots, including aces from Vanessa William, in the first set while keeping the opposition in check for a 15-8 win.

Mwaliyas then increase the lead after dominating the second set, and despite a mishap on first serve, was able to crush Black Magic, 17-6.

At that point, Mwaliyas was enjoying a comfortable18-point lead, 32-14.

Mwaliyas was looking to run away with the victory, but the Black Magic wizards had other ideas. The team swung momentum to their corner and took advantage of several bad hits by Mwaliyas to crawl closer. Black Magic took the set, 16-12, and cut the overall deficit to 14 points, 30-44, with one set remaining in regulation.

Despite trailing by a large margin, Black Magic still had a good shot at pulling off a comeback. In Rocball, if the team trailing after three sets wins the fourth set, the game will go into o-kon—overtime—even if the team still trails after regulation.

Knowing the rules well, Black Magic was gunning for overtime. Unfortunately for the wizards, Mwaliyas was not to be denied and managed to close strong with a 16-8 clincher.

Shane Yamada was the game’s heavy hitter as he led Mwaliyas with 14 points after connecting for an ace and six kees. William also punched in 12 points with four aces and two kees, while Gary Phillips had eight points on two aces and two kees.

Elly Apilis led Black Magic with six points on an ace and two kees, while Albert Esefou added four points on an ace and a kee. Black Magic dropped to 0-2.

Second round action resumes on Monday with the Dublan Chiefs (1-0) and Ballers (0-1) battling, while the Bwibwiis and 670’s Finest face off next Wednesday, with the winner earning win No. 1 after both lost in the first round.

Da Lani Kynez and Kich Fairo, both sporting 1-0 records, will then battle on Nov. 20, while Watch & Learn and Caropinos close the second round on Nov. 22.

For more information on the World Organized Rocball Community League, contact sport creator Jim Feger at 237-3235.