Welcome back for the final installment of the weekly recaps for this season of CPL action. Tournament seedings were on the line with many teams jockeying for position to be best set for a deep tournament run for the trophy during the inaugural Continental Pickleball League Championship tournament. The fame and glory associated with being the first ever CPL league champion is an unending honor, sure to show up in sports trivia games for generations to come. With the trophy so near, the intensity was on the court was at an all time high. Here’s how things played out:
Match 1: Sullivan’s vs Winkle’s
Due to some last minute drug deals, this reporter missed what was described as one of the most ferocious bouts of the season. With both teams sporting a glow only attributable to a week of relaxation in the Sunshine State, the action began in earnest. The Winkle’s were looking to close in on an Undefeated regular season to secure a top seed and first round bye in the tournament. The Sullivan’s were looking to put one in the win column and generate some momentum to make a run next week as well. Game 1 saw both teams working to get back into the sweet groove after a week off. In a very tight match, the Winkle’s were able to hold on 11-8. After switching sides of the court, the Sullivan’s remained determined and continued in a dogfight of a match that would have to go to extra points. Despite a chance by the Sullivan’s to capture a game, the Winkle’s persevered 14-12 in an epic game to conclude the match and regular season for both squads. The Winkle’s head in to the tournament undefeated and have only dropped game within a match all season long. With the #2 seed secured, Vegas has them co-favorites with the #1 seeded Keck’s (who played and won 1 more regular season game) at +250. The Sullivan’s just proved they could hang with any team out there, however, and could be a tough out next weekend.
Match 2: Streicher’s vs Morgan’s
The second match of the evening featured the scorching hot Streicher’s taking on Team Morgan with Janet Coble filling in for Catlyn this week. The last time this combination of Team Morgan played, they looked unstoppable in a classic vs the Schmidt’s. The Streicher’s continued to bring the heat, however, and remain on a scorching roll by taking both games 11- and 11-5 respectively. The bombardment of precision and accuracy have Team Streicher on quite the roll as the hottest team in the league heading into the tournament with Vegas taking note putting them +350 just behind the 1 and 2 seeds. Team Streicher will have the #4 seed in the tournament based on winning percentage and were already seen posing with the trophy this weekend. Team Morgan finishes their year and have a mission in Tennessee next week that will keep them out of the tournament. Thanks for a great season Team Morgan!
Match 3: Horstman’s vs Brown’s
In the match of the evening, Team Horstman and the Brown’s were battling for tournament seeding and what a battle it was! The entire match featured some hard hitting slams with some impressive defensive saves from both teams and featured some of the longest volleys in league history. Game 1 saw Team Horstman jump out early to a small lead early and maintain that to earn the 11-6 win. Game 2 played out in the reverse from Game 1 with the Brown’s securing the –6 win leading to the decisive third game. Both teams were playing a quality of Pickleball not seen since the ’89 Barcelona World Championships. Using strategies to maximize each pairs’ strengths led to an entertaining match that was very tight throughout. In the end, the Brown’s were able to land a few more shots and pulled out the Win 11-7 to finish the year above the .500 mark with a boatload of momentum heading into tournament time.
Match 4: Wagner’s vs Horstman’s
Team Horstman volunteered to play back to back this week to get them to 8 regular season matches and took on Team Wagner. Game 1 saw the Horstman’s warmed up from an intense first match and the Wagner’s looking to equal that readiness. Despite being hampered by a nagging hamstring injury, Justin and Sarah kept pace the first few serves. Shortly after, Team Horstman went on quite the run to take Game 1 by a score 11-3. Game 2 saw some great play by both sides and Team Horstman starting to feel the effects of back to back grueling matches. Sensing defeat, Allison was able to dig deep and save her partner, holding on to win Game 2, 11-8 for the Team Horstman win and a much needed refreshment for her partner. Team Wagner concludes the regular season at 2-6 despite only a 10 point +/- proving they will be a tough out for any opponent. Team Horstman leapfrogged a couple teams in seeding with the win and will look to carry on that positive wave next weekend.
Match 5: Schmidt’s vs Donaldson’s
The league’s regular season finale pitted the Schmidt’s, who were looking to end a unfathomable losing streak, against the Donaldson’s needing the win to secure a first round bye and the #3 seed in the tournament. Early on, things were looking to be turning the Schmidt’s way as they built a 4-1 lead with the serve in Game 1. That’s when Beast Mode Sarah D came out and helped turn the tide. After tying it up, both teams battled back and forth when things were knotted up at 8 a piece. A quick flurry at the end gave the Donaldson’s Game 1, 11-8. Game 2 started out the opposite way with the Donaldson’s hold a slim lead as the volleys progressively got longer and more intense. In the end, Team Donaldson was able to hold the slim margin throughout and take Game 2 11-7 and the win. The Schmidt’s are thankfully still married despite this string of bad luck proving their unity will be able to make it through anything. Despite their record, the Schmidt’s will also be a tough out in the tournament next week where everything goes out the window in a single elimination format. The Donaldson’s secured the #3 seed and the final first round bye to hope to use that to their advantage next week.
The Tournament Bracket will be released shortly with plans to start on Saturday at 1:00pm with food and fellowship to follow. Everyone is welcome to come out and enjoy the entertainment and fun. We plan to have a smorgasbord of things for kids to do with water fun included. Looking forward to finishing out the year with some fun next weekend!