Season two rolling on.

Season II is headed for week number three and the Tipsies have been playing fierce. A handful of new players have joined the fight and have already established themselves as strong assets both on and off the court. Between super stellar rolls and great shots the Tipsies have stepped up the level of cuisine that is gracing their table as well. While there will always be space for CheezIts and CoorsLight, we have devoured delicious tostadas, gourmet pigs in a blanket, fabulous risottos and some damn-amazing Jell-O shots. Members from other teams are often found circling our table for scraps. Great things are happening for the Tipsies and this season will be one for the record books.

Here’s to another great season girls!

“On the Board First”

The Tipsies don’t have to cheer at being the first to score points anymore because they chalked up their first official win last Thursday. We’re talking match win here, not just game win. And of all teams to claim victory from, they beat Joanie Loves Bocce, talk about an upset. (And they were hehe). The Joanies hold a special place in the heart of every Tipsy as one of the teams that have been in the league since we rolled our first balls, and as the first team to support the team uniform movement. Knowing that this game was coming, the anticipation was building for weeks. With a court 1 assignment, the teams got to take over the barbecue and the pavilion, therefore, things got rowdy.  With a menu of delectable skewer, coolers full of ice cold beverages, and a crowd ready for action the game started off with the Tipsies striking first in the first game, but the lead did not last long. The Joanies upheld their reputation and pulled out the first game. However, a bit comfortable with their lead they were not ready for the excitement to come. The battle was fierce, the scoreboard teetered back and forth and the spectators were on the edge of their seats (or the sideboards actually - it was intimidating to roll in a tunnel of people lining the court). The screams of Moonshiner excitement from the two point frame to win the game drew the attention of all courts. The momentum continued into the third game. Both teams felt the pressure and rolled some amazing shots. To quote Tony “It could have been anyone’s game.” But this time, it was the Tipsies. Great job girls! And great game JLB!

Gettin’ it together

While these updates are horribly slacking the Moonshiners are not! The season, the weather and the enthusiasm are heating up with the Tipsies sneaking a few wins away from some dominant teams.  Non-Famiglia di Robert Mondavi and The Tappers have learned the hard way. You can never underestimate the Tipsy Spirit, they will put the hurt to your record when you think you’ve got the game wrapped up.

But challenges still lie ahead. This week the Tipsies are facing off against long time rivals and good friends Joanie Loves Bocce. JLB is a group of fantastic foodies, brilliant bocce ballers and crazy karaoke crooners. They’re enjoying their spot in 3rd place for Thursday nights (tied with Non-Famiglia, you’re welcome JLB), but can they sweep the Tipsies? Or more importantly, does it matter? This game will be one to remember.

We got one!

It finally happened. I knew that it was only a matter of time before the Tipsies got into the swing of things. And what a victory. The Moonshiners faced off against Two Tipsy last night. It’s been a couple seasons since these two teams met face to face on the court and spectators were not disappointed. There was laughing, trashtalking, drinking and of course some damn good bocce. The Moonshiners busted out of the gate with a fierceness, taking the early lead of one. But Too Tipsy isn’t a team of slouches, they battled hard and the first frame was followed by several neck ‘n’ neck frames of one point each. Eventually the Moonshiners broke away for a final score of 12-6. Congratulations girls! We showed everyone that we can play the game and played it well. The next two games were moral victories as everyone got to play and had fun.

The theme for the evening was “Baby Food” in honor of our Mommy to be Nicole. This perhaps is not the best food choice as lack of timing resulted in a table full of baby carrots and mini cupcakes, not the most substantial meal for bocce night, but they all paired nicely with the Mirabelle Brut Rose (pink in honor of Nicole and Casey’s soon to be baby girl).

Thanks to all of you girls who came out and to those who were there in spirit, the victory belongs to all of you!

Not bad, not bad.

The title tells all. The Tipsies finally made it to their first game against the veteran Italian Stallions, a team with which the Tipsies have a long long history. The I.S. have been both competitors and occasionally mentors for the Tipsies especially during the early seasons when we were still learning the game. One member in particular was quite instrumental, joining our roster as a “coach” so that he could actually instruct us during games, this member is of course, Steve. While we owe a debt of gratitude to him for teaching us the game, he was not our favorite I.S. last Thursday as his sniper-grade “shooting” took several points and at least one game from us. However, despite what was on the scoreboard and some less than graceful moments, the 6 Tipsies who bravely took on this very experienced I.S. Team, played quite well representing the whole team with Tipsy Spirit and Pride.  

Game 1 was a nail-biter with the lead see-sawing back and forth until the final frame where the I.S. took the game 11-12. Switching up the line-up for the start of the second game the Tipsies came out strong but late game substitutions threw off the mojo and again the Tipsies fell…(I can’t remember the score, but will repost when they get posted in the St. Helena Star - if any of you girls remember please post a comment).During the last game the Tipsies were definitely showing signs of fatigue, could have been the first 2 marathon games or maybe the jell-o shots (Mojito, Stockholm, Tropical and Melon flavored this time - quite tasty actually) but the play lacked the luster of the early games. The final game scoreboard showed….(yeah yeah, again I’ll fill in the blank later).

Off the court the first game rocked, reuniting with old teams, meeting new teams, sharing tables,  food, drinks and laughs - exactly what bocce is all about. With the addition of a new court there are 2 more teams playing on Thursday nights now, increasing the all over competitiveness on the court, and for tables and parking. Good thing the Tipsies get along with just about everyone and we like to share.  

A first-night-3-game loss has not dampened the spirit of the Tipsies, we are quite ready to take on the Paisans on Court 8 this Thursday. Ready for our first win and to have tons of fun doing it.

It’s finally here.

Tomorrow, we made it! The season starts tomorrow. The Tipsies are ready to rock the courts. The Italian Stallions don’t know what is about to hit them! Of course, the ice chest is always open to Tipsy Fans, so let us know if you’re able to come cheer us on. Yay for bocce!

One week away!

As I look out the window at the gray sky and wet ground my hopes of  “bocce boot-camp” actually taking place today are fading, c’est la bocce. But my excitement for the season has not dimmed. Jerseys for the new members are on order, the ice chest is ready to go, and new Jello shot recipes are in the test kitchen (a.k.a. my head). We have what is becoming a great team this season with fun, enthusiastic and beautiful girls. We’ve got laser-eye veterans, beginners-luck-newcomers and seasoned trash talkers. I can’t wait to see us in action, and neither can the other teams. This season will be epic (yes I said epic!)

And the excitement builds

Just got back from the Captains meeting to go over all things bocce. We received the official rules and more importantly our season schedule to know which teams we are playing on which nights. This season there are 16 teams each night and no byes. That means 15 weeks of play! Check out the line-up on the Game Schedule page. Talking to the other captains, it’s going to be a great season.

And the Countdown Begins!

16-days to the Tipsies first game! Next week the Tipsies, the Joanies, the Casino Cowboys, Boccismo and the newly named Jim Crocce’s will be taking over the courts for preseason “practice” games to start off the 2009 Bocce season right.

Just around the corner!

Today was the first day applications for the Spring 2009 Bocce season could be submitted and the bocce bees were buzzing with excitement getting their forms in on time to secure night of choice. First game is scheduled for the week of April 13th. It’s so close!