Shag edges Ghasias in double o-kon

Powerhouse Shag won their second game and are currently tied with two-time defending champion Ghasias Brothers after pulling off a thrilling 68-67 double o-kon victory over the Brothers in Tuesday’s World Organized Rocball Community League at the Marianas High School Gymnasium.

The Brothers didn’t seem tired despite playing their second game of the evening, and received a boost from the service of Jacob Pelisamen and kees from older brother Freddie to take the first set, 16-13. The set also featured a goal by Shag’s Mike Olaitiman.

Focused in leveling the match with their rivals, Shag put up a stronger attack in the second set and played well defensively to leave the Brothers out of rhythm en route to a 17-9 win and a taste of the overall lead, 30-25.

Shag would continue to press the right buttons and despite receiving a better fight from the opposition, widened their lead to nine points, 48-39, by taking the third set, 18-14.

But the champions were not done by a long shot and came storming back in the final set of regulation. Freddie Pelisamen continued to bruise the ball for more kees and helped the Brothers stay alive by taking the set, 15-8.

Shag had the lead after regulation but Rocball rules indicate that the team leading with the match heading into the fourth set must win the set to close the game. Ghasias trailed 54-56 after regulation, but because they won the fourth set, they forced o-kon—Rocball’s term for overtime. The team leading after regulation only needs to win one set in o-kon.

Building on their momentum, the defending champions picked up where they left off and kept their hopes of completing the comeback with an 11-2 win.

Their run, however, would go sour in the second o-kon as Shag turned the tables and sealed the match with a 10-2 win.

Freddie Pelisamen was the game’s heavy hitter with 16 points after connecting for eight kees, while brothers Ben and Jacob finished with eight and six points.

Shaun Odoshi led Shag with an ace and six kees for 12 points, while Olaitiman added two goals, a kee, and an ace for 10 points.

Earlier, the Brothers notched their second win of the season with a nail-biting 52-48 victory over newcomer Just One.

Still adjusting to the sport’s rules, Just One dropped the first two sets, 11-15 and 8-16, resulting in a 12-point deficit, 19-31.

The team finally settled in during the third set for a 15-5 victory and continued to hang tough in the final set but came up just short of forcing o-kon, losing 14-16.

Ben Pelisamen of the Brothers was the game’s heavy hitter with three aces and four kees for 14 points.

Robin Sapong had 10 points for Just One, nailing two aces, a xunk, and two kees.