The final day of the Major League Pickleball tournament in Daytona Beach was filled with excitement as the top two teams, the Seattle Pioneers and the BLQK California Bears, faced off in the championship match. Both teams had been playing outstanding pickleball throughout the tournament, and the final promised to be a thrilling matchup.
In the first semifinal, the Seattle Pioneers took on the Los Angeles Mad Drops, who are led by the in-form Catherine Parenteau and her Vanguard Power Air paddle. The Pioneers dominated the match from start to finish, winning all three games in straight sets. The Mad Drops simply couldn't keep up with the Pioneers' impressive teamwork and aggressive play, and the Pioneers advanced to the championship match with ease.
In the second semifinal, the BLQK California Bears faced off against the New Jersey 5's. The Bears started strong, winning the first two games, before the 5's managed to win the third game to keep their hopes alive. However, the Bears were too strong and won the fourth game to secure their spot in the championship match against the Seattle Pioneers.
In the championship match, the Seattle Pioneers got off to a strong start, winning the first game 21-15 in a women's doubles match between Seattle's Etta Wright & Meghan Dizon vs. California's Maggie Brascia & Andrea Koop. The kept their foot on the gas pedal in a thriller in the next match, as Seattle's Ben Johns & Tyler Loong outlasted Dylan Frazier & Federico Staksrud in a tight 22-20 battle.
The BLQK California Bears fought back in the following mixed doubles match, winning 21-18 as the all-Selkirk duo of Dylan Frazier & Maggie Brascia proved to be a dangerous and powerful combination, utilizing electrifying hand sped to defeat Meghan Dizon & Tyler Loong. The Pioneers closed the show in the final mixed doubles match, however, as Etta Wright & Ben Johns showed great composure and committed almost no errors to handle Andrea Koop & Federico Staksrud by a score of 21-14 to clinch the Championship. The acheivement marked the first Major League Pickleball Championship for Etta Wright, Meghan Dizon, and Federico Staksrud. It was the second MLP Championship title for Ben Johns.
The BLQK California Bears were led by Dylan Frazier and Maggie Brascia, who played outstanding pickleball throughout the tournament. They put up a strong fight against the Seattle Pioneers, but ultimately fell short against the World No.1 Ben Johns and his team. Frazier and Brascia showed great determination and skill on the court, and were instrumental in leading the Bears to the championship match. Despite the loss, they can be proud of their impressive performance throughout the tournament.
The Seattle Pioneers played an outstanding tournament, with strong performances from all of their players. They played aggressive, attacking pickleball, and their defense was excellent as well. The BLQK California Bears fought hard, but in the end, the Pioneers were simply too strong.
The Orange County Breakers, led by Pablo Tellez, won the Challenger Division Championship.
Overall, the Major League Pickleball tournament in Daytona Beach was a huge success, with some of the best pickleball players in the world competing in a thrilling and action-packed event. Fans are already looking forward to next year's tournament, which promises to be even bigger and better. Congratulations to the Seattle Pioneers on their well-deserved championship win!
