INTENNSE Week 6: SMASH 159 vs. RISE 158

For the first time all season, the teams were level after all seven bolts, setting up a dramatic finish.

With time winding down, RISE held a two-point lead and looked poised to take the arc. But Dalayna Hewitt produced the moment of the night, stepping up to fire a clutch down-the-line winner that tied the score and forced one final deciding point. On that deciding point, Kevin King pushed a backhand into the net, handing SMASH the victory and capping an electric finish.

Hewitt delivered a complete performance from start to finish, coming out strong and rising to the occasion when her team needed her most. Ben Lock also impressed, stepping up in the absence of SMASH's top male player, Elmar, and playing a key role throughout the arc.

For RISE, the result will be a tough one to swallow. They controlled large stretches of the contest and were within touching distance of the win, with Carson Tanguilig once again turned in an outstanding performance. Meanwhile, this thrilling victory further cements SMASH as one of the favorites to win the championship.

SMASH Head Coach Sofia Rachi: “We really just came together and we won for our team. We gave it our all and I can’t ask for more.”

SMASH William Bushamuka: “Just pushing point by point and yeah just keep on going. Everybody was able to pull through and we were able to get the dub.”

Up Next: SMASH vs ALTITUDE July 23 @ 7 PM

RISE vs ALTITUDE July 18 @ 5 PM