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