[aldaeron]

Playing devil's advocate G12 also says (emphasis mine)

“launching” (impelling BALLS to a desired location or direction)

You could argue that the ball was directed to the desired location of "not to the second alliance mate" or "to the side or the arena, away from the second alliance mate"

My thought was intentional direction of any kind of the opponent's ball would draw a penalty.

I could be over thinking it and I expect GDC will clarify.