Week 4 brought about a slew of excitement and chaos both on the court and off threatening the afternoon, but as always, the dink must go on!  Here’s how it all went down:

Match 1:  The Sullivan’s vs The Weisenburger’s

Two of the newer teams were eager to secure their first league victory and came out firing.  Ben and Hannah came out on fire and raced to an 11-3 victory in Game 1.  Not to be outdone, Curtis and Rose answered the bell and turned the tide to earn Game 2 by a score of 11-3 to set up the deciding third match.  Wielding a relic of the past, Ben’s wooden weapon of choice was just too much to handle as he powered the Sullivan’s to an 11-4 win to earn their first league victory in their inaugural season.

Match 2:  The Keck’s (Ryan & Katie) vs The Morgan’s

Looking to build off of a successful debut in Week 2, Ryan & Katie were looking to slow down the Morgan’s who have been white hot to start the season.  Ross and Catlyn looked strong to start the game and take an early lead, but Ryan and Katie were out to prove that they were ordinary expansion team and hung tough throughout the match with  some impressive returns.  In the end, the same score prevailed with the Morgan’s earning the victory 11-7 both games to continue their wining ways.

Match 3:  The Weisenburger’s vs The Van Ham’s

Curtis & Rose were back on the court to try to ease the sting of their first match’s result.  Mark & Kelly, though had other plans in mind for them and jumped to an early lead which propelled them to an 11-3 win in Game 1.  Switching sides of the court, Rose and Curtis battled back in game 2 to keep it close, but a flurry of Dutch power was all that was needed for Mark and Kelly to finish the match with an 11-6 win.

Match 4:  The Sullivan’s vs The Morgan’s

Ben & Hannah were riding high on their first win of the year and looking to make it two straight for the night while Ross & Catlyn also had a 2-win night in mind as well.  11 points was just not enough in game 1 with both teams keeping it close in a highly entertaining affair.  Ross & Catlyn had the pickleball pendulum swing in their favor at the right time and took Game 1 by a score of 12-10.  The Morgan’s left no doubt in Game 2, storming out to build a quick leading and never looking back to win 11-2 and earn the match.

Match 5:  The Wagner’s vs The Keck’s

Juice and Sarah were back in action and looking to continue their perfect season while Ryan & Katie had other plans in mind.  The Wagner’s brought the slap sauce early and came roaring out of the gates and pickled the Keck’s 11-0 in Game 1.  Ryan & Katie showed some adjustments in game 2 to keep it closer, but Juice and Sarah were too much on this day and won the match with an 11-5 victory in Game 2.

Match 6:  The Tegenkamp’s vs The Van Ham’s

Making their league debut, Todd & Michelle came out guns-a-blazin.  Mark & Kelly didn’t know what hit them and before you knew it, the Tegenkamp’s had taken Game 1 by a score of 11-5.  Game 2 was a highly entertaining bout with both teams landing terrific shots and slams.  Down 10-9 and without service, Mark & Kelly were on the doorsteps of defeat.  A gutty side out earned the Van Ham’s service again and they used that to push into extra points.  A defensive slug-fest ensued over the next few minutes but in the end, Mark and Kelly were able to push through 13-11 to force a Game 3.  Game 3 was every bit as exciting as Game 2, but the Van Ham’s found a softball weakened ankle and took advantage to win the match with a 11-6 score in Game 3.

Match 7:  The Tegenkamp’s vs The Donaldson’s

After quick ladies exhibition match, Todd and Michelle were back in action with the Donaldson’s on tap.  Dedicating the match to one of their toughest little fans, Brian and Sarah raced out to a quick lead and never looked back en route to an 11-1 win in Game 1.  Game 2 started but was quickly met with a delay as many teams had to run their favorite mascots to Bible School.  (Super shout out to all volunteers, but especially the numerous CPL league members who helped with the awesome event!)  The delayed caused a build-up of lactic acid in many joints, but the show must go one.  Brian and Sarah built a quick lead early again reaching 8-1 before Todd and Michelle found a bit of momentum to try to close the gap.  In the end, however, the Donaldson’s were able to take the game 11-5 to win the match.

Match 8:  The Donaldson’s vs The Wagner’s

This week’s prime time showdown featured two teams putting their undefeated records on the line to stay amongst the other undefeated teams in the league.  Brian and Sarah jumped out to an early lead 4-0 with which they never looked back.  The game featured many long rallies with great shots and counters by both teams, but in the end a few more balls bounce the Donaldson’s way as they earned Game 1, 11-1.  Game 2 also featured some great play by both sides and was much closer than the final score of 11-3 indicated, the Brian & Sarah once again had the favor of the Pickleball gods sending Juice and Sarah to their first defeat of the year.

Thanks for everyone’s flexibility again this week the unforeseen circumstances with the home stadium!  Week 5 is another Holiday Weekend and some schedule adjustment will need to be made.  Please let league offices know early in the week if you can’t make it!  Thanks again for reading the ramblings of a mad-man!