We just witnessed the worst strategic blunder of all time in Major League Pickleball, and it could not have come at a worse time. However, it also led to the best playoff series we’ve ever witnessed between the defending champion Dallas Flash and the Columbus Sliders. It’s playoff time in MLP, and we’re diving into who’s moving on to the finals in New York City this weekend, Christian Alshon’s outburst against us, Dekel Bar’s return against Ben Johns and the Mad Drops, and more. This is a long read, but it is 100% worth it.
Friday's Intense Playoff Kickoff
The playoffs kicked off with winner-take-all matches, leaving no room for error. Win and advance. Lose, and your season is over. The Ranchers were favorites against the Miami Pickleball Club, starting with an 11-0 beatdown in women’s doubles. Christian Alshon returned to the court while GM Dawidjan was benched, a response to Ryan benching Christian in Salt Lake City for Wyatt Stone. In men’s, Jay and Yuta turned things around, and Tammy and Jay won against Tina and Eric, being one match away from advancing. Kaitlyn and Christian tied it up, reaching a Dreambreaker, a weak spot for the Ranchers with a 1-4 Dreambreaker record.
The Dreambreaker was intense. Texas led 20-15 despite Yuta’s impressive plays. Yuta went 3-for-4 against Eric, bringing it to 19-20, but Kaitlyn Christian finished against Mya Bui, sending the Miami Pickleball Club home. If you love Dreambreakers, there’s more to come.
Giveaway Alert
Don’t forget, it’s your last chance to enter the giveaway for the Pickle by Lobster ball machine. Subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow Lobster Sports on Instagram. We’ll announce the winner in next week’s video!
The Unexpected Choices
The next winner-take-all match was between the Orlando Squeeze and Utah Black Diamonds. Utah added Etta Tuionetoa while Orlando added Milly Rane, but Orlando was without Dillon Frazier due to injury. Etta and Allyce started strong for the Black Diamonds, but Grayson and Federico tied it up. Grayson and Lacy won 11-7, and Fed and Milly finished it 11-4, ending Utah’s season.
Moving past the play-in matches, the St. Louis Shock chose their opponent as the number one seed, opting for the Orlando Squeeze. Surprisingly, Dallas chose to play the Columbus Sliders instead of the Texas Ranchers.
It seems the Flash let their players vote on their opponent, speculating Columbus had chemistry issues. I couldn’t believe it, tweeted that picking Columbus was a wild move, and NML noted my tweet: “5s think the Ranchers suck.” I don’t think the Ranchers suck, but the Flash made poor strategy decisions. The Sliders are a better team in every line.
Friday Night Action
In San Diego on Friday night, St. Louis Shock faced Orlando Squeeze without much drama. However, St. Louis seemed down a bench player, possibly linked to the Anna Bright and Judit Castillo altercation last week. The Shock won both men’s and women’s matches 11-3. Gabe Tardio got big, and the Shock swept the Squeeze.
Dallas faced their choice’s consequences. Their women won 11-2. Andrei and CJ tied it 1-1. Augie and Tyra crushed Lea and CJ 11-1, but Andrei Daescu was relentless. Andrei and Parris defeated JW and Jorja 11-9, forcing a Dreambreaker. Despite a 12-10 lead, a crucial point turned the momentum. Augie and Jorja secured the final point, earning a 21-18 win in an incredible match, with more insane matches and Dreambreakers following.
Saturday Showdowns
Saturday began against Texas Ranchers. The women saved several game points to win 12-10. The men came back from a 2-6 deficit, winning 11-6, and Willy and AL swept 11-4. LA Mad Drops dominated Brooklyn Pickleball Team 11-6, 11-1, and 11-3. Dekel Bar’s return wasn’t as expected after months out with a rib injury. Confidence and rhythm are crucial in MLP.
St. Louis faced Orlando again, with Orlando’s women on fire. Kate and Anna missed shots they typically don’t, while Milly Rane excelled. Despite tight men’s matches, the Shock won 11-8, then 11-9, finishing with Anna and Hayden against Grayson and Lacy 11-4. The Shock were the first to secure a spot in New York City.
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