Oklahoma Freedom Opens Weekend with Win Over Ariat Texas Rattlers Friday
By: Mandi McCary
ANAHEIM, Calif. – A battle of two first-place unbeatens and the surprising shutout of a high-flying team highlighted the start of the second and final neutral site event for the inaugural 2022 PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Team Series season, Friday night in Anaheim.
After a homestand upset just one week ago, the Kansas City Outlaws recovered with an energetic shutout against the Carolina Cowboys as the third event of the 2022 PBR Team Series season began.
In a battle down to the final two rides, the Oklahoma Freedom edged the Ariat Texas Rattlers with a game-ending score from rookie Casey Roberts, recording the team’s second win of the season.
Led by two-time PBR World Champion Jose Vitor Leme dominating a great bull, the Austin Gamblers surged to the top of the weekend event standings with a two-ride victory over the Nashville Stampede.
Channeling their winning moves from the inaugural PBR Team Series event in Cheyenne, Wyoming, the Missouri Thunder reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the 2022 Team standings after dominating the Arizona Ridge Riders in a landslide game.
The PBR Team Series event from Anaheim continues Saturday, August 13 at 6:45 p.m. P.T. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the box office or online at PBR.com, or by calling PBR customer service at 1-800-732-1727.
PBR RidePass on Pluto TV will offer replays of all the PBR Team Series action from Anaheim. Fans can also tune in to a special doubleheader of the CBS Game of the Week on Sunday, August 14 at 1:30 pm ET (check local listings). Click here for the latest programming schedule.
Oklahoma Freedom: 174.75
Ariat Texas Rattlers: 86
Sandwiching the five outs with qualified rides from a veteran and a newcomer, the Oklahoma Freedom won their second game of the 2022 PBR Team Series season on Friday night by upsetting the Ariat Texas Rattlers, 174.75-86.
The Freedom’s rides in the first and fifth frames were recorded by second-round draft pick Derek Kolbaba (Walla Walla, Washington) and teammate Casey Roberts (Munford, Alabama).
After a game-opening buck off by the Rattlers’ Cody Jesus (Window Rock, Arizona), Kolbaba matched up with Navajo Joe (M Rafter E Bucking Bills/T-Ray Bulls) for an 87.75-point, game-high score.
With the scoreboard remaining unchanged throughout the second, third and fourth frames, the Rattlers’ Brady Oleson (Blackfoot, Idaho) and Freedom’s Roberts were locked into potentially game-defining outs.
First to leave the chutes was Oleson, making his debut for the Rattlers following an injury, matched up Wild Goose (M Rafter E Bucking Bulls).
In a must-ride situation, the 26-year-old rider kept his team from a no-score night, showing incredible effort in trying to hang onto the powerful animal athlete for 86 points.
However, the gutsy ride fell 1.75 points short of tying the game.
Matched up with Not Today (Nancy Haverty/Clay Stuve/Dakota Rodeo/Chad Berger) by Head Coach Cord McCoy, 20-year-old Roberts delivered an 87-point score to add to the Freedom’s margin of victory over the Rattlers, cementing a 174.75-86 final.
The Oklahoma Freedom (2-4) will look to continue their momentum Saturday when they take on the Nashville Stampede (2-4), while the Ariat Texas Rattlers (1-5) will look to make up lost ground, when they face the Arizona Ridge Riders (4-2).
“Bull riding is about momentum and confidence and right now the Oklahoma Freedom has both,” said Oklaoma’s Derek Kolbaba. “At the end of the day, it’s keeping it simple — keep your mind in the middle and make the whistle.”
Photo courtesy of Andy Watson/Bull Stock Media
© 2022 PBR Inc. All rights reserved.