After a 2-week hiatus, the CPL was back in action tonight with some epic matches with teams jockeying for position for the tournament trail. Here’s what went down:
Match 1: The Donaldson’s vs The Keck’s
The evening kicked off with a match-up of undefeated teams with Brian and Sarah looking to give Scott and Stephanie their first match loss in league history. The Donaldson’s were looking ready for the challenge early, earning a 3-0 lead in the opening minutes. The Kecks, however got back on track and built a sizeable 10-5 lead, picking apart the Donaldson defense. A missed opportunity by Scott on the game point serve allowed Sarah the chance to build some momentum for the Donaldson’s. Sarah controlled the net and provided the spark for a historic comeback as the Donaldson’s took Game 1 by a score of 12-10.
Scott and Stephanie came out on a mission in game 2 and built another sizeable lead at 9-3 with an opportunity to push the match to a third game. Despite a mini-comeback by The Donaldson’s, Scott and Stephanie were able to limit their mistakes with precision line shots and take Game 2, 11-7.
The crowds began to gather as neither team was willing to concede defeat in a tight match throughout game 3. Volleys got longer as points were extremely hard to come by with both teams breaking serve with stifling defense. In the end, however, Scott and Stephanie were able to prevail 11-9 to win the game and take the match 2-1.
Match 2: The Schmidt’s vs Team Van Vennekotter
Erin and Damon were looking to break the curse of the dragon slayer and earn there first win in 16 months as they took on Jessica and Mark of Team Van Vennekotter in the second game of the evening. Mark and Jessica started out on fire and took game 1 rather quickly 11-4. The victory was not without its damages however, as one exchange saw Mark call a shot by Erin out. Jessica clearly saw it was in and proceeded to whack a howitzer back. Unfortunately for Mark, it went off the edge of the paddle and he wounded up with a mouth full of a pickleball, perhaps foreshadowing a change in luck for the Schmidt’s?
Indeed something magical was in the air, as the cool mist began to envelope the pickleball arena. Game 2 was a battle of wills where the normal 11 point mark would not be enough. The score was tight throughout with both team having numerous opportunities to finish the other. This game of attrition would be earned by the Schmidt’s however with a 12-10 victory to force a third game.
As the decisive Game 3 commenced, Damon and Erin had that feel of destiny. Despite some terrific volleys with all participants getting in on the action, Team Van Vennekotter just could not deny the Schmidt’s their first win of the season, falling 11-8. In an eerie coincidence, the misting rain ceased after the game almost as if it were signaling the curse of the Dragon Slayer was indeed broken.
Match 3: The Schmidt’s vs The Zimmerman’s
Fresh off of their first win and happy that marriage counselling talk had been shelfed for the time being, The Schmidt’s looked to double down in the win column against the Zimmerman’s. History books would continue to be re-written as the two teams engaged in an all-time classic bout in Game 1 that would go on to be the highest single-scoring game in league history. Both couples each had multiple serve opportunities to win, but neither team would give in. 17-15 was the final score when all was said and done in Game 1 with Rob and Lisa on top.
The historical game and raucous crowd impacted our reporters’ ability to witness the final game of the match in its entirety. What is known, is that the cardiovascular health of all was tested, but the Zimmerman’s came out on top 11-7 for a well-earned victory.
Match 4: The Zimmerman’s vs The Wagner’s
The evening’s final bout was delayed by an emergency supply run for one of our youngest fans in need. Word on the street, is he was so animated that he couldn’t keep his excitement internalized. That will happen when your only 2 though!
With everything back in order, it was time for action to resume on the court. Despite the needed rest from a grueling bout with the Schmidt’s, Rob and Lisa were caught off-guard with a barrage of shots by the Wagner’s ranging from speedy to spinny to crafty. Despite a mini-rally Game 1 would be won by the Wagner’s 11-4. After switching sides of the court, the onslaught continued with Juice and Sarah whizzing low liners over the net. Rob and Lisa were able to hang tough on some terrify volley sequences, but the Wagner’s would prevail 11-3 to get back in the win column.
Hopefully we get some nicer weather next weekend as The CPL heads to the home stretch of matches before tournament time is upon us.