PUC Chronicle

Issue date: 2/26/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Nathyn D. Gibson Amanda Levin bumps the ball to Dan Bukowski, her opponent, during the wallyball tournament held Wednesday night in the REC Center.

The final game in the wallyball tournament turned out to be a marathon as Mike Duffula and Dan Bukowski defeated Chris Werner and John Castro to take the title Wednesday night in the REC Center. Normal games are best of three, but because of an earlier loss by Duffula and Bukowski the final match was best of six.
Duffula and Bukowski had to play more games in their quest for the championship because of an earlier loss.
Wallyball has been played as an intramural sport for four years and each spring a tournament is held. This year the tournament had eight teams enter into double elimination format and each team got the opportunity to play two games with a chance to advance even if they lost the first.
Wallyball is just like volleyball but it's played on a racketball court. With a smaller playing surface and the side walls being considered as inbound, it makes for an exciting up-tempo game. Minor rule changes, such as being able to attack the serve, were in effect also.
Matt Dudzik, sports coordinator, presides over the tournament each spring. Dudzik hinted that he might be able to organize another tournament in May but didn't know for sure.
"Some teams are highly competitive, getting a start early by practicing before the big tournament," said Dudzik.
Nick Kalwinski, a grad student in communication, is a long time player of wallyball. Kalwinski said that he tries to play six months out of the year.
"Wallyball is a great sport. It combines a lot of different sports, regarding instincts and mobility. It's also a heck of a work out," said Kalwinski.
Yessenia Morales, a sophomore majoring in pre-veterinary/biology and Kate Dawson, a sophomore majoring in pre-physical therapy/biology, were first time players at the wallyball tournament.
Both said they were trying something new and hoped to have fun. Even after their team was eliminated both watched the tournament to its conclusion. They encourage more people to play next time.

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