2020 CPL Tournament Day
Saturday was a monumental day in Continental Pickleball history with 11 teams competing to be immortalized forever as the first ever CPL League Champion in the single elimination tournament. Viewers from across the county tuned in through Facebook live to enjoy some of the intense action that programmers like WOSN and ESPN just couldn’t be bothered with. Here’s how it all went down:
#8 Seed Schmidt’s vs #9 Seed Wagner’s
These two teams faced off in the primetime matchup of Week 1, putting on a spectacular show during a 3-game thriller that had both teams leaving with championship aspirations. Fans were delighted to see the matchup again as Team Wagner (with the Duchess Kelly C filling in for Sarah) were looking to avenge the early season loss. The Schmidt’s having been stymied ever since the Dragon Slayer teamed up with Ross in week 3 to halt their momentum leaving The Schmidt’s on a losing streak that rivals the Washington Generals. After a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem, the court was in immaculate condition and the tournament was on. The Schmidt’s were looking fly in matching practice jerseys and seemed to have the upper hand early, building a 2-point lead. Soon though, Kelly and Juice would start to shake and bake and went on to take Game 1 by a score of 11-9. Sensing the opportunity to finish the Schmidt’s season, Juice and Kelly put the pedal down in Game 2, never relenting and cruising to a 11-4 win to set up a match with the top seeded Keck’s. The Schmidt’s head into the off-season looking to utilize their lunch breaks at school to hoist the trophy next season.
#7 Seeded Team Horstman (a la Team Hors-Schmidt) vs #10 Seeded Van Ham’s
After a riveting season for Team Horstman, filled with fantastic news of the incoming delivery of twins and a search for a permanent partner for the year (Pickleball, not life partner), the pairing of Allison Schmidt solidified the team as they entered the tournament on a winning streak and momentum. The Van Ham’s entered the tournament with Mark paying rent on the space he owns in Neil’s head and would attempt to make this match a cerebral onslaught for the ages. Debuting their new moniker, Team Hors-Schmidt relished in the role of the villain and brought an onslaught of left handedness that the Van Ham’s couldn’t match. Team Hors-Schmidt took the match in 2 games 11-2, 11-4 to go on to face the #2 seeded Winkles in the quarterfinals.
#6 Seeded Zimmerman’s vs #11 Seeded Sullivan’s
After a tight match against the #2 seed Winkle’s last week, the Sullivan’s were looking to make some noise in the tournament against Rob and Lisa of Team Zimmerman. The Slammin’ Sully’s came out hot with Jami smashing some sweet shots at the net and into the hearts of the Zimmerman’s. Team Zimmerman were quick to adapt however with Rob and Lisa displaying nice teamwork throughout and went on to weather the storm and take both games 11-4 to secure their spot in the quarterfinals.
QUARTERFINALS
#4 Streicher’s vs #5 Brown’s
The Streicher’s were dubbed the hottest team in the league coming into tournament day, winning 5 straight and ready to contend for the trophy. The Brown’s presented a difficult matchup however and came in ready to roll with their spiked motivational drinks in hand. Chelsea would set the tone early with a powerful slam demonstrating what was to come as the Brown’s powered shot after shot past the Streicher’s for the quick lead. After some terrific volleys and skill shown by both teams, Game 1 ended with the Brown’s ahead 11-3. Game 2 featured more of the same and the Brown’s emphatically took the game by a score of 11-2 making a statement that they were their for the trophy.
#1 Keck’s vs #9 Team Wagner
The top-seeded Keck’s were eager to get the tournament started and prove their extra time spent in practice was not in vain. Despite Team Wagner already playing a game, it was the Keck’s who came out on fire using a combination of Scott’s power and Stephanie’s finesse en route to a dominating 11-1 win in game 1. Game 2 would not be so easy. Kelly and Juice matched the Keck’s point for point with some terrific volleys and the game was close throughout. With a 10-9 lead and chance to take Game 2, Team Wagner had a fault and created the only opportunity that the Keck’s would need. Team Keck rattled off 3 straight to take the Game 12-10 and end the season for Team Wagner and secure a spot in the semi-finals against the Brown’s for Team Keck.
#2 Winkle’s vs #7 Team Hors-Schmidt
Team Hors-Schmidt took on their second challenge of the day in the form of the Winkle’s who were undefeated and had dropped just 1 game within a match all year long. The match started with Katie displaying terrific power and control with her backhand, quickly giving Team Hors-Schmidt troubles early. The lefties, Neil and Allison, were able to adjust quickly however and came on strong to take Game 1, 11-7. Team Hors-Schmidt came out and built a little lead early in Game 2, when Ryan made some nice adjustments and came up to control the net and close the gap. Some terrific defense showed by both sides led to a longer match, but in the end Team Hors-Schmidt prevailed 11-6 to secure a spot in the semifinals.
#3 Donaldson’s vs #6 Zimmerman’s
The final spot in the semi-finals was up for grabs between the Donaldson’s and Zimmerman’s as the Zimmerman’s looked to avenge an earlier loss in the regular season. Team Donaldson jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead, that was quickly followed up by a 5 point rally by the Zimmerman’s. The match was very tight throughout with lead changes and ties happening with every serve. Game 1 concluded with the Zimmerman’s in the drivers seat 11-9. Game 2 would see the Zimmerman’s jump out to an early lead and the Donaldson’s facing the brink of elimination. Adjustments were made and Beast Mode Sarah came out to rattle of a rally of 5 points spearheading the efforts for a Game 2 win for the Donaldson’s 11-8. With the final spot in the Final Four on the line, both team brought their A game in the deciding third game. When the battle was over, it was Team Donaldson who won Game 3, 11-6 to keep their season alive.
SEMI-FINALS
#1 Keck’s vs #5 Brown’s
The Semi-finals were both classics that with be remembered for at least a week or three by all in attendance and the fives of people witnessing online. The Brown’s continued their dominating play from the quarterfinals early on in Game 1 building a 9-3 lead against the top-seeded Keck’s with terrific teamwork by Kurtis and Chelsea. A strong rally by the Keck’s though would ensure that Game 1 had to go to extra points with the Keck’s squeaking out the win 12-10. After some terrific play once again by both sides, the Keck’s found themselves in position to win the match in Game 2. However, a fault gave the serve back to the Brown’s who would not relinquish the serve again to take Game 2 by a score of 12-10 to force an intense third game with a spot in the finals on the line. More terrific play by both teams continued throughout Game 3. The Keck’s were able to get a little lead early on and maintained the margin as they got close to 11. In the end, the Keck’s were able to outlast the Brown’s by a score 11-6 to earn a birth in the first ever CPL championship match.
#3 Donaldson’s vs #7 Team Hors-Schmidt
With the final spot in the finals on the line, The Donaldson’s took on Team Hors-Schmidt in another epic Semi-Final match. Game one saw Team Hors-Schmidt come out on fire as they cruised to a 11-5 win, and were just 1 game from the championship. Their momentum continued through Game 2, building a 9-1 lead, before Sarah took over and spurred a comeback for the ages. With a couple small rallies and some stonewall defense, Team Donaldson felt Mr. Momentum changing his address and completed the unprecedented Game 2 comeback to win 11-9 and force the deciding Game 3. Despite the pendulum change of momentum, Game 3 would be tight throughout the match and featured some terrific extended volleys and defense by both teams. By a final of 11-8, it was Team Hors-Schmidt who were able to outlast the duel and set a date with the Keck’s in the championship match.
FINALS
#1 Keck’s vs #7 Team Hors-Schmidt
It all came down to this. After weeks of intense Pickleball Action, the final 2 teams were set to play. The Keck’s rolled in undefeated and looking to secure their spot in league history with a perfect season. Team Hors-Schmidt came in battle-tested, going through losing streaks and playing partners until starting to shine as the season waned. Game 1 started out with Team Hors-Schmidt in control and building an 8-3 lead at one point. The Keck’s were familiar with a large deficit, however, as proven in their Semi-Final affair versus the Brown’s. They would use a steady approach to close the gap. In the final moments of Game 1, Team Hors-Schmidt had the serve with a 10-8 lead and the opportunity to put it away. A serving fault however gave the ball back to the Keck’s who would not return the favor. Team Keck rattled off 4 straight points to earn the 12-10 Game 1 win. Game 2 again saw some terrific Pickleball by 2 worthy opponents that drew the applause of the crowds in a very tight match again. Scott showed flashes of dominance controlling the net with Team Hors-Schmidt struggling to get it past him routinely. Neil and Allison were able to find some cracks however and found themselves in a familiar position, up 10-9 with a chance to send it to a colossal Game 3. The Keck’s, though, once again showed determination and stepped up with a defensive hold to earn the serve back. The final moments were intense, with the crowd on their feet for the excitement. Extra points were again needed for a team to secure a 2-point requirement for the win, but in the end, it was Scott and Stephanie Keck who would earn the Game 2 win 12-10 and the title of 2020 CPL Champions.
Thank you to everyone who participated or came out to support the fans and competitors throughout the season. It has been a blast writing up these recaps on a weekly basis and I look forward to everyone playing again next year! Sounds like it could be even bigger yet! If anyone needs practice time throughout the year, feel free to come on out and have some fun! Thank you again to everyone!