Da Lani Kynez rallies to beat upstart Kich Fairo

Da Lani Kynez trailed early but recovered and took the final three sets to beat Kich Fairo as action in the World Organized Rocball Community League continued yesterday at the Marianas High School Gymnasium.

It was no stroll in the park for Da Lani Kynez, but the team still picked up its second win in as many chances while handing Kich Fairo its first loss with a 60-43 victory.

The action kicked off on Monday, and Kich Fairo was able to grab the early lead as J.R. Gechig and Wein Kapwich each had an ace to help the team slip past the opposition for a tough 15-12 victory.

Losing their first set of the season didn’t sit well for Da Lani Kynez, and the team responded by putting up a better effort in the second set. Kaleo Olaitiman was able to connect for a goal, and captain Myron Laniyo again came through to lead Da Lani Kynez to an 18-8 victory.

With that, Da Lani Kynez turned the tables and erased their deficit as they headed into the third set with a 30-23 lead in the overall tally.

The match resumed yesterday, and Da Lani Kynez was a lot stronger.

Laniyo continued to pound the ball well, and got plenty of support as the Da Lani Kynez smackers had just enough juice to edge their opponents. Kich Fairo was not to be toyed with though, and Kapwich and J.R. Hart were succesful with aces from the service line to give Da Lani Kynez a good run for their money. In the end, though, Da Lani Kynez was able to survive with a 15-13 win, padding their lead to nine points, 45-36, in the overall tally.

Determined to close the game in regulation for a juice out victory, Da Lani Kynez played a lot better in the fourth set and quickly built a lead that they would hold until the end of the match, 15-7.

There were a total of 13 aces, two xunks, 16 kees, and a goal scored in the game.

Laniyo finished as the game’s heavy hitter as he led his team with 22 points after connecting for two aces and nine kees, while Stephanie Arnold and Olaitiman finished with eight and seven points. Arnold bruised the ball for four kees, while Olaitiman had an ace, a kee, and a xunk.

Kapwich and Hart led Kich Fairo with six points apiece, with each getting three aces.

The loss was the first for Kich Fairo as the team won its opening round bout.

Rocball action resumes on Monday, Nov. 27, with Watch & Learn taking on a revamped Caropinos crew.

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