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WPH Icebreaker #5 Moler vs. Mitchell: Full Recap + Crunching the Numbers

WPH Icebreaker #5 Moler vs. Mitchell: Full Recap + Crunching the Numbers

WPH Press

Watch Moler vs. Mitchell in Icebreaker #5 HERE

The WPH is proud to present the WPH Icebreaker #5, the fifth official WPH Icebreaker event since September.

“We want to show people that we could safely hold an event with all of the COVID protocols in place,” stated WPH Executive Director David Vincent. “We allowed a limited number of masked, socially distant fans, while ensuring the players were distanced as much as possible.”

Tucson’s top-ranked WR48 pro Ashley Moler faced Tucson resident and aspiring WR48 pro Mikaila Mitchell in the WPH Icebreaker #5 on a freezing morning at Tucson’s Clark Park, with the women taking the court with temperatures hovering in the mid 40’s for the 8:30 am start.

“I was nervous to play in a tournament match because it’s been so long,” stated Moler.

Dr. Ash showed no signs of nervousness in game one, striking five aces, seven kill shots, winning seven of the nine 6+ shot rallies, and making zero errors in route to a 21-0 win. Mitchell appeared as cold as the Southwest desert morning, making 11 errors and only two kills.

Mitchell quickly put the 11-minute first-game behind her, matching Moler’s consistency, serve, and offense throughout game two. Moler and Mitchell played similarly in game two, with both hitting overhand deep serves that resulted in seven aces for Moler and eight for Mitchell. Moler struck 15 kill shots to Mitchell’s nine, while Moler won eight 6+ shot rallies to Mitchell’s six.

Moler’s WR48 experience appeared to be the difference, as her shot selection in the business end of game two proved to be the difference.

Watch Moler vs. Mitchell in Icebreaker #5 HERE

WPH Icebreaker #5 Crunching the Numbers: Moler vs. Mitchell

Game 2 Stats

Aces

Moler: 7

Mitchell: 8

Mitchell served just three times in game one, registering zero aces. Mitchell started with the serve in game two, striking an overhand ace to earn her first ace and first point of the match. Mitchell’s serve enabled the Missouri State star to play evenly with the former 3-Wall national champion.

First Strike Kills

Moler: 1

Mitchell: 2

Return of Serve Kills

Moler: 2

Mitchell: 2

Right Hand Rally-Enders

Moler: 11

Mitchell: 9

Left Hand Rally Enders

Moler: 4

Mitchell: 0

Moler’s 15 rally-enders in game two to Mitchell’s nine was likely the difference in the 21-14 score line, as Moler was able to execute more offensive opportunities, particularly late in the game.

6+ Shot Rallies Won

Moler: 8

Mitchell: 6

Errors

Moler: 8

Mitchell: 9

Fly Kills:

Moler: 5

Mitchell: 0

Hinders: 0

Time: 22 minutes

Final: 21-16

Total Points Scored: 37

Game 1 Stats

Aces

Moler: 5

Mitchell: 0

First Strike Kills

Moler: 1

Mitchell: 0

Return of Serve Kills

Moler: 0

Mitchell: 0

Right Hand Rally-Enders

Moler: 7

Mitchell: 1

Left Hand Rally Enders

Moler: 0

Mitchell: 1

6+ Shot Rallies Won

Moler: 7

Mitchell: 2

Errors

Moler: 0

Mitchell: 11

Fly Kills:

Moler: 1

Mitchell: 0

Hinders: 0

Time: 11 minutes

Final: 21-0

Total Points Scored: 21

Watch Moler vs. Mitchell in Icebreaker #5 HERE

David Fink

WPH Patreon Statistician 

DV: David Vincent formed the World Players of Handball in 2005 and ushered live handball viewing into our living rooms for the first time. Since its inception, the World Players of Handball has broadcast over 1,500 matches live. Dave Vincent serves as the lead play-by-play announcer for virtually all matches, combining his unique perspective and personality with a lifetime of handball experience. DV brings 25 years of broadcast radio experience (in Oregon and California) to World Players of Handball & ESPN broadcasts and provides professionalism and wit to the amazing game of handball. DV also serves as the Executive Director of the World Player of Handball at the WPH headquarters in Tucson, AZ, working daily to grow the game of handball through innovation.
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