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Heartbreakers Recover; Use Strong Shooting to Take 3-2 Lead over Blue Roos
The winter freeze that grips part of the nation definitely affected the Heartbreakers in Game #4 last week as a focused and determined Blue Roos squad dismantled them. This week, signs of spring thaw were evident as both teams were hot in Game #5, lighting up the scoreboard in every quarter. The indoor facility at Velocity Sports Performance in Murfreesboro provide perfect playing conditions despite a freezing breeze blowing through town from the south, dropping the outside temperature to near freezing.
The Blue Roos, riding the adrenaline from Game #4 were missing the sharp shooting Neil Desai and Pete Patel. On the other side, The Heartbreakers were short Teek Bhikha, Nicia Behary, Jai Patel, and Mandy Jaehne so they were happy to welcome back veteran and founding Roogirl Debbie Warner and Rahul Patel.
The Heartbreakers won first possession which seems to be all you need to know to predict who will win the game in this competition. They quickly raced out to a couple of goals with their leading scorer Dee Patel working quite well with goal partner head coach Moreen Logsdon. Newcomer Rahul Patel started in defense and took to the game like a fish to water helping shut down the Blue Roo offense. Facing their first deficit in two weeks, the Blue Roos went to the well, rallying to within a bucket behind Alan Denton's hustle and pinpoint passing from Tai Logsdon, trailing 4-3 at the first break.
In the second, The Heartbreakers again sprinted out to the lead, this time relying heavily on the clever work of Debbie Warner at center, and only some tough defense from Anand Patel helped keep the Blue Roos close. Then the tide began to turn and the Blue Roos made a serious run, led by Rachel Charlize out of the backline, who kept finding Tai Logsdon in the middle who has apparently perfected the lob pass, allowing Alan Denton to use his height advantage. He rallied his team all the way back to level scores of 8 at the mid-point of the match.
Going into the third quarter, both teams made adjustments to their lineups, hoping to find the edge that would give them the victory. In a move that could only be described as a long shot at best, the Heartbreakers allowed Jeff Persson in the goal attack role. Not known for his shooting ability, he managed five goals in the quarter as he and shooting partner Dee Patel bamboozled the defense en route a series best 8-goal outburst. At the other end of the court, with Moreen "Bruiser" Logsdon scoring two points for a takedown of Alan Denton but this not being soccer, he was only rewarded a possession despite howls of protest. Combined with Rahul Patel swatting away several entry passes (and quickly establishing himself as a defensive specialist), the stunned Blue Roos managed to crank out a respectable five goals but were visibly worried as they took to the drawing board at the final break, trying to figure out how to overcome a 16-13 deficit.
Luckily for them, Anand Patel and Bina Patel came to the rescue and shut down the hot shooting Heartbreakers in the fourth quarter giving their shooters a chance to catch up. Rachel Charlize, returning from her near death experience with her injured finger (remember that TWISTER accident?), aggressively led the way up the court, rampaging over unsuspecting Heartbreakers unfortunate enough to get in her way. The intimidation factor was evident as the Blue Roos rallied with time winding down. But it was wiley veteran Debbie Warner finding shooting ace Dee Patel for two final baskets to put the game out of reach 20-17. Sometimes experience beats youthful enthusiasm.
Wow, if you are a fan of tightly contested matches, you certainly are getting your money's worth as these two teams battle it out week after week. The Heartbreakers now take a 3-2 series lead into Game #6 on Sunday March 1 at 4 PM. Be sure to get to Velocity Sports Performance in Murfreesboro in time to see the Blue Roos try to regain their mastery they displayed in Game #4 and attempt to force a deciding and final seventh game.
In a final note, Umpire and Neball Ace Christine Peever returns to Australia this week, having been a terrific supporter for both teams these past four weeks during her visit to Tennessee. We wish her a safe journey back home and send with her plenty of memories of the sport she loves being played in middle Tennessee. Good on ya, Christine!
Score by Quarter
First Quarter: Heartbreakers 4, Blue Roos 3
Second Quarter: Heartbreakers 8, Blue Roos 8
Third Quarter: Heartbreakers 16, Blue Roos 13
Fourth Quarter: Heartbreakers 20, Blue Roos 17
Umpire: Christine Peever
Injuries: None
Photographs: Sorry, wait until next week!
