1st Ever Win for USA at North American Championships

Michigan bocce team keeps winning.

Orion, MI (PRWEB) October 21, 2006 -- Palazzo di Bocce’s men’s team is on a roll having continued their string of top finishes by taking 1st place at the North American Championships held at Campo di Bocce in Livermore, CA last week.

A biennial tournament between the United States and Canada, the North American Championship allows only four men’s teams from each country to participate and represents the best bocce players in North America.

Having taken the Gold at the U.S. Bocce Championships in St. Louis, Missouri, June 24, team Palazzo di Bocce secured their spot in the Championships. Jason Wisniewski of Waterford, MI, Jorge Moreno of Rochester Hills, MI, Dr. Angel Cordano of St. Petersburg, FL and Mike Grassar of Sylvan Lake, MI were off to a good start, winning two of four games, placing them in the semi-finals against Toronto.

Although they lost their 1st match 15-5 against Toronto in triples (Wisniewski, Cordano, Grassar), team Palazzo di Bocce came back and won both singles 15-2 (Moreno) and doubles 15-13 (Moreno, Wisniewski) moving them on to the finals against Quebec.

With the singles and doubles match being played simultaneously in the finals, the team had to mix up their roster and spit up their doubles team of Moreno and Wisniewski. “Changing our roster before the final game was a challenge, but we came together with confidence,” said Wisniewski. The triples match (Moreno, Wisniewski, Cordano) was up first and although a close match, team Palazzo di Bocce lost 14-15 and would have to win both singles and doubles for the Championship win. Moreno played extremely well, winning the singles match 15-7 while Wisniewski and Cordano were still battling in the doubles match.

After several innings, Palazzo Di Bocce and Quebec were tied 11-11, “It was down to this final match,” said Wisniewski, who knew Moreno had won and the pressure was on. Quebec won the next two innings and were up 14-11, only one point away from the title. The next inning initially looked to be the win for Quebec as they had the pallino on the back wall and their bocce 3 feet directly in front. Palazzo di Bocce discussed strategy and came back with a chance maneuver rolling one bocce short and position shooting this bocce to the back wall which paid off and they finished the inning tied 14-14. “We were in the last inning of the last match of the finals,” said Wisniewski, “and every shot was critical.” Palazzo di Bocce came out strong eventually leaving Quebec no choice but to attempt shooting the pallino to another area with their last bocce. Quebec missed the shot giving Palazzo di Bocce the first North American Championship win for the USA. “We were ecstatic,” claimed Wisniewski “to compete at this level is an honor in itself, but to also bring home the win made us all proud.”

Team Palazzo di Bocce also represented the US at the Club World Championships Sept. 18-26 in Montenegro, Brazil achieving the highest finish ever for a United States raffa team in world competition, finishing 5th. Palazzo di Bocce’s World team included Jorge Moreno as captain, Jason Wisniewski, Dr. Angel Cordano and Mike Lapcevich of Hermitage, PA.

Palazzo di Bocce players credit the facility’s developer, owner and coach, Anthony Battaglia with providing the resources that allow them to compete at the sport’s highest levels.

“U.S. competitive bocce has made huge strides in recent years with the support of Mr. Battaglia,” said team member Jason Wisniewski, 23, who also represented the U.S. at the 2005 World Men’s Volo Doubles event in Turin, Italy. “He’s given us the level of coaching we need to compete with the world’s top players, plus a venue and courts that are the best anywhere.”

Battaglia is a nationally ranked seniors player who developed a passion for bocce in the early 1990s, and envisioned a first-rate facility that would honor its Italian popularity and grow interest in North America. Mr. Battaglia sits on the Board of Directors of the United States Bocce Federation (USBF), and in 2006 was designated as “Ambassador for Development of Bocce in the North American Market” by the Confédération Bouliste Internationale (CBI) and its President, Mr. Romolo Rizzoli.
   
Bocce, next to soccer, claims to be the most played game in the world today. Its appeal lies in its being a sport any person is able to enjoy. “Bocce brings friends and families together to enjoy an inexpensive game of thought and strategy that players of all ages, genders and athletic abilities can enjoy,” said Battaglia. “The social aspect of the game is a huge draw to young people and so simple to learn that first-time players are immediately hooked,” he said. “Both our social and competitive leagues grow each season as new players are introduced to bocce and current players continue to advance their skill level“.

Battaglia’s Palazzo di Bocce is the largest and most elaborate bocce facility in the U.S. Opened in 2004, it features 10 indoor artisan-crafted courts where both beginning and skilled play is common, and the Trattoria di Bocce courtside restaurant serving authentic Italian food. In addition, a separate Cortile de Bocce four-season courtyard area features four courts and bar and food service, accommodating up to 150 for banquets and special events. An on-site Pro Shop offers fine athletic wear and premium bocce equipment.

Palazzo di Bocce hosted the 2005 U.S. and World Bocce Championships, which drew players from all over the U.S. and 17 countries. The 32,000 square foot facility is located at 4291 S. Lapeer Road, Orion Township, MI.

For more information, to make reservations or book a group event, call 248-371-9987, or visit www.BoccePalace.com.

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