Hammer Time Claims Another Title; No Sting Doesn't Stop Ballieving

Congratulations to Hammer Time (Rubber) and Don't Stop Ballieving (No-Sting) on their well-deserved Late Fall Xoso playoff championships last night.

On the No-Sting side of the gym two Semifinal matches were played to determine the Championship matchup. In the first Semifinal match #1 seed Don't Stop Ballieving (DSB) faced off against #4 seed Team Ramrod. The #1 seed proved they deserved the #1 seed by disposing of Team Ramrod convincingly by a score of 6-4. Team America, the #2 seed, also proved their worth with a shutout victory over Slumdodge Millionaire (4-0) in the other Semifinal match. The Championship match pitted two of the most spirited and enthusiastic teams in the entire Xoso dodgeball league. During this Championship battle DSB jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, however Team America would not go away easy and used patience and will to win the next game. DSB showed they also had plenty of fight left and proceed to win the very next game to increase their lead to 3-1. With the clock running down and facing a 1-3 deficit Team America had to act quick and began to force the issue by throwing aggressively and trying to catch their opponents throws. This strategy backfired a bit and eventually earned Don't Stop Ballieving a 4th point to make their lead 4-1 with little time left on the clock. Although down by 3 points Team America showed why they are one of the best teams in the league by not giving up and winning the final game to make the final score 4-2. In the end both teams gave it their all and shook hands to conclude another great season of Xoso dodgeball.

Hammer Time - Repeat Rubber League Champs!On the Classic (rubber) side of the gym last night Hammer Time was able to use their well-rested arms to claim their 2nd dodgeball title in as many seasons. Their competitors in the championship match last night, Breedlove Not Haters (named after their captain L. Breedlove), had to work overtime just to get to the championship game. Although Breedlove was actually victorious over Hammer Time during the regular season (5-3), Hammer Time earned the #2 overall seed based on their regular season record, which awarded them a bye during the first round last night. Breedlove, the #4 seed, showed their strength earlier by quickly disposing of Pickle Tickle Turtle in the opening round by a score of 7-1. Their road to the championship game became a bit tougher as they earned the right to face the #1 overall seed, Balzheimers (7-0-1 record), in the Semifinal round.

This Semifinal game was an instant classic as Balzheimers and Breedlove fought back and forth for 30 minutes, in a match that included a made basket for Balzheimers and numerous hard hits for both sides, only to end up in a deadlock at 2-2. In the ensuing overtime game both teams came out tentative to avoid early mistakes knowing a victory would mean a berth in the championship match. As ball movement increased the Balzheimers team was slowly dwindled down and Breedlove Not Haters used strong throws to finish them off for the 3-2 victory.

Hammer Time began their road to the championship by first defeating Beastie Balls in the Semis by a score of 3-2 in a very close match. Beastie Balls made it to the Semis by way of an opening round victory over Dangerously High (4-2 score), but came up literally just seconds short against Hammer Time. In a Semifinal match that posed two very equal and competitive teams against each other, with just 3 minutes left in the game and the score tied 2-2, both teams toed the line for one final game. With the clock ticking and time running out for both sides, both teams used aggressive throws and quick strategy to try to knock out the other side. With 58 seconds left on the clock Hammer Time eventually got the last Beastie Balls player out, and with less than a minute left on the clock the game was over.

With no break between the Semis and Finals for Hammer Time they had to quickly prepare for Breedlove Not Haters, whom had been resting and watching their Semifinal match. Hammer Time vs Breedlove Not Haters was a great championship fight featuring two very experienced and equal teams. In the end Hammer Time proved that having the 1st round bye may have been the difference as they squeaked by Breedlove in a tight match 3-2 to claim the Late Fall Rubber Ball Xoso Sacramento Championship.

Hammer Time and Don't Stop Ballieving were both awarded bar tabs at Blue Cue, the Xoso league bar, and were able to celebrate their championships with all of their fellow Xoso friends.