Rudolph serves Ochobu to Game 1 victory

Ochobu recovered from losing the first set of o-kon by dominating the second set en route to winning Game 1 of their best-of-five championship series against defending champion Mwaliyas in the 2006 World Organized Rocball High School League yesterday.

After winning the fourth set on Tuesday to stay alive and force overtime, Mwaliyas was struck with a big blow as only three players showed up for yesterday’s continuation at the Marianas High School Gymnasium.

Ochobu, which led 64-53 after regulation, took advantage and began pounding away. Ochobu seemed like it was on its way to an easy victory as the team led 8-1 after a mishap on first serve by Mwaliyas, but lightning struck and the defending champions caught a huge break.

Power hitter Shane Yamada bruised the ball and hit right past the goalie for a set-ending goal—o-kon sets are won by the first team to score 10 points or a goal.

The magic died out soon after as Mwaliyas was not able to carry the momentum to the second o-kon set. J.R. Rudolph then took command for Ochobu and scored consecutive aces for a 4-0 lead. After a kee and another two points, Rudolph connected on another goal and served out the set, sending Ochobu to victory.

As reported earlier, the match began on Monday with Ochobu taking the first two sets—15-10 and 16-10—for a 31-20 lead.

The bout continued on Tuesday, with the two teams splitting the third and fourth sets, with Ochobu winning the third 17-13, and Mwaliyas keeping their hopes alive with a 20-16 fourth set victory.

Pedro Iguel, who was not able to suit up for yesterday’s session due to personal reasons, was the game’s heavy hitter as he led Mwaliyas with 18 points on an ace, two kees, and four goals.

Three Ochobu players finished in double figures with Ramsey Sino leading the way with 17 points on an ace, six kees, and a goal. Rudolph finished with 12 points courtesy of four aces, a xunk and a kee, while Ichnis Kapwich had an ace and four kees for 10 points.

Game 2 also began yesterday with Ochobu taking advantage of Mwaliyas’ lack of manpower.

Just like in the opening match of the series, Ochobu came out strong and took the first set, 15-10.

Hungry for the title, the team showed no mercy and fought back from a 2-9 deficit in the second set to win, 16-11, for a 31-21 lead in the overall point tally.

Tarnes Kapwich currently leads Ochobu with 13 points on two aces, three kees, and a goal, while Darrel Roligat leads Mwaliyas with eight points on an ace and two goals.

The bout continues today beginning at 11:30am.

For more information about high school Rocball, contact the sport’s creator Jim Feger at 237-3235.