2010 USHA NE Regional Big Ball Championship Results We had over 50 participants from 5 different states, some coming as far away as Florida. The singles events were held on Saturday. We combined the “A” & “B” division, and decided to make it a double elimination event. The folks here in Allentown were treated to some high-octane handball. John “Rookie” Wright’s powerful serves & smashing shots were too much for his opponents. While PeeWee Castro’s precise cross-body serves, which amazingly and consistently hit the sideline over and over again, proved to be too much for his opponents. Rookie and PeeWee did not play the finals with both agreeing to split the pot. Since Rookie was in the winner’s bracket without a loss, he wins.
In the “C” singles event, we had a local player, Rey Pierluisse, take first place. But it was not without a fight. His opponent, just 18 years old, Luis Justo fought to the very end. Rey’s experience and power proved to be the deciding factor in the game. However, handball players, you’ve been put on notice: Keep an eye out for Luis “Lil-Louie” Justo. He will be a force to reckon with in the near future.
In the female open division, we only had 6 participants, so we decided to do a round robin. This event proved to be one of the most exciting events. The two best players, Stephanie Vega & Sophia Murphy, had 4-0 records, but had not faced each other yet. The female players from Allentown were in for a delightful match with teammates from Team Puerto Rico battling each other for the championship. These two ladies were no stranger to each other. The match started, and Stephanie jumped to an early 7-3 lead. Unfortunately due to person reasons, Stephanie withdrew from the match.
The doubles event was held on Sunday. The threat of rain caused some people to cancel their trip to Allentown. Fortunately, the Handball Gods were watching over us. The day turned out to be beautiful. The Open event drew some of the top players in Big Blue: Rookie, PeeWee, Willie Polance, Steve Robalino. As the Tournament Director, I instantly became a fan and a spectator. We, again, decided to combine the “A” & “B” divisions. Rookie and his partner Christopher Miranda bullied their way to the finals, often overwhelming their opponents with powerful shots. They met up in the finals with Jose “Che” Cruz, from Allentown, and Nicholas Pizzarro better known as Bucky, a well known native New Yorker in the handball community, who now calls Allentown home. The time spent away from handball for Bucky proved to be costly, as Rookie and Chris, easily rolled pass Che and Bucky in the finals.
The “C” doubles championship again went to local Allentown players. Max Guzman & Luis “Lil Louie” Justo fought their way to the finals to match up against Lewis Gonzalez & Danny Martinez, both from Allentown. While many thought the game would be closer, Max & Louie came out with their “A” game. With the score 12-10 in favor of Lewis & Danny, Max & Louie went on a 10-0 run. With Lewis appearing to gas out, Max & Luis relentlessly capitalized to secure an easy victory. Final score 25-14
The ladies open doubles only had 4 teams enter the tournament. Maggie Crespo and Sophia Murphy’s experience and skill proved to be the deciding factor, as they dismantled Cheyleen Cruz & Kelly Quinde 21-8.
Saturday, May 1, 2010 OPEN Singles: John “Rookie” Wright def. PeeWee Castro via forfeit
“C” Singles: Rey Pierluisse def. Luis Justo, 25-21
Women “Open” Singles: Sophia Murphy def. Stephanie Vega
Sunday, May 2, 2010
OPEN Doubles: John “Rookie” Wright & Christopher Miranda def. Jose Cruz & Bucky, 25-12
“C” Doubles: Max Guzman & Luis Justo def. Lewis Gonzalez & Danny Martinez, 25-14
Women “OPEN” Doubles: Maggie Crespo & Sophia Murphy def. Cheyleen Cruz & Kelly Quinde, 25-8
