Brooklyn and Columbus Triumph in Southern California: MLP San Clemente Recap
The pickleball world was abuzz with excitement as the Major League Pickleball (MLP) San Clemente event unfolded, showcasing thrilling matches and unexpected turns. This recap delves into the key moments, standout performances, and the implications for team standings in what proved to be a pivotal tournament in the 2025 MLP season.
Setting the Stage: Pre-Event Challenges
As the teams descended upon the beautiful LifeTime Rancho San Clemente venue, the Brooklyn Pickleball Team faced significant hurdles. With star players Riley Newman (hip injury), Dekel Bar (illness), and Pat Smith (illness) sidelined, the team’s prospects seemed grim. However, the arrival of 2025 MLP “super sub” AJ Koller and recently waived Rafa Hewett as on-site alternates set the stage for an unexpected turn of events.
The picturesque Southern California weather provided a perfect backdrop for the intense competition that was about to unfold. The venue, renowned as one of the finest in the world, lived up to its reputation, offering players and spectators alike an unparalleled experience.
Team Standings: A Shake-up in the Rankings
The MLP San Clemente event proved to be a game-changer for several teams, most notably Brooklyn and Columbus. Despite playing one fewer match than their competitors, both teams managed to secure an impressive 10 points each. This remarkable performance not only boosted their standings but also solidified their positions as strong contenders for the playoffs.
The updated team standings revealed significant shifts in the rankings. The Columbus Sliders made the most substantial leap, climbing three spots in the standings based on Points Per Match (PPM). This movement underscores the volatile nature of the league and the potential for rapid changes in team fortunes.
For those interested in diving deeper into the statistics, the Public 2025 MLP Data Google sheet offers a comprehensive look at team standings. While the team standings have been promptly updated, individual player statistics are still in the process of being compiled, with updates expected to be completed shortly after the event.
Brooklyn’s Unexpected Triumph
The Brooklyn Pickleball Team’s performance was undoubtedly one of the most compelling narratives of the event. Entering the tournament with a depleted roster, expectations were tempered. However, the team defied all odds, securing victories in three out of their four matches.
Their campaign began with a dominant 3-1 victory over the LA Mad Drops, a team that had been riding high after an undefeated run in the previous MLP Daytona Beach event. This upset set the tone for Brooklyn’s impressive run, as they went on to defeat the Flames and the Hard 8s before narrowly losing to the Black Diamonds in a nail-biting Dreambreaker.
The team’s success with two substitute players is a testament to the depth of talent in the MLP and the importance of adaptability in high-stakes competition. Brooklyn’s performance not only exceeded expectations but also improved their Points Per Match from 2.09 to 2.2, cementing their fourth-place standing in the league.
As Brooklyn prepares to host the upcoming MLP NYC event, all eyes will be on their roster. The potential return of their injured starters could further strengthen an already formidable team, making them a force to be reckoned with in the latter half of the season.
Columbus Sliders: The Comeback Kids
The Columbus Sliders emerged as another major success story of the MLP San Clemente event. After a challenging start to the season, marred by injuries and illnesses, the Sliders finally fielded a fully healthy team for the first time in over two months.
Their hunger for success was evident as they stormed through the competition, amassing 10 points from their four matches. This outstanding performance catapulted them from eighth place to fifth in the standings, significantly boosting their playoff prospects.
The Sliders’ success can be attributed to improved performances across the board. CJ Klinger and Andrei Daescu showed marked improvement from their previous 3-3 showing in MLP Orlando. Meanwhile, the women’s duo of Parris Todd and Lea Jansen proved to be a formidable partnership, solidifying their reputation as one of the strongest pairings in the league.
One of the most thrilling matches of the event saw the Sliders narrowly lose to the Mad Drops in a Dreambreaker on Sunday. The closeness of this match underscores the competitive balance within the league and could have significant implications for playoff seeding.
LA Mad Drops: A Slight Stumble
The LA Mad Drops entered the MLP San Clemente event as one of the favorites, riding high on their undefeated run in MLP Daytona Beach. However, the tournament didn’t unfold quite as they had hoped.
Despite being one of the host teams and aiming for 13 or 14 points out of the possible 15, the Mad Drops had to settle for 9 points. Their journey through the event was a rollercoaster, including a Dreambreaker win against the SoCal Hard 8s, a regulation loss to Brooklyn, a victory over Utah, and two more Dreambreaker wins.
While the team may feel slightly disappointed with their overall result, their performance was far from poor. The Mad Drops remain in a strong position to secure a top-six spot and earn a first-round bye in the playoffs if they can finish the season strongly.
Phoenix Flames: Internal Strife Amidst Struggles
The Phoenix Flames have faced significant challenges throughout the 2025 MLP season, remaining the only team without a regulation win after 19 games. While the team had maintained positive morale despite their struggles, tensions finally boiled over during the MLP San Clemente event.
A disagreement between starters Jessie Irvine and Genie Bouchard during warm-ups on Saturday led to a verbal altercation, resulting in Irvine leaving the facility. This incident forced the Flames to play both Saturday matches with Bouchard and Alex Walker, managing to secure a Dreambreaker win over the SoCal Hard 8s.
On Sunday, the team adopted a rotation strategy, with Bouchard and Walker playing against the Sliders, while Walker and Irvine faced the Mad Drops. In a surprising turn of events, Irvine and Walker upset the LA women with a decisive 11-3 victory, marking one of the biggest upsets of the weekend.
The internal conflict within the Phoenix Flames raises questions about the team’s future. Speculation is rife about potential trades, with many believing Jessie Irvine could be moved to the Carolina Hogs, potentially reuniting her with Ben Johns. Such a move could dramatically alter the competitive landscape of the league.
SoCal Hard 8s: Underdogs with Heart
Despite being on the brink of mathematical elimination from the playoffs with a 0.64 points per match record, the SoCal Hard 8s emerged as fan favorites due to their infectious energy and team spirit. Much of this can be attributed to 25-year-old Blaine Hovenier, who has embraced his role as team leader and hype man with enthusiasm.
The Hard 8s secured a significant victory over the Utah Black Diamonds in their final match of the weekend, with 15-year-old Cailyn Campbell and 17-year-old Jalina Ingram clinching their first women’s doubles win as a pair. Campbell, a recent acquisition from the St. Louis Shock, showcased the potential of young talent in the league.
Ryan Fu’s performance was another bright spot for the Hard 8s. After struggling in previous events, Fu displayed a remarkable turnaround in MLP San Clemente. His improved hand skills, decision-making, and positive body language marked a significant step forward in his development as a player.
Challenger Level: Vegas Maintains Dominance
In the Challenger Level competition, the Las Vegas Night Owls continued to assert their dominance despite suffering their first loss of the season. They remain the only team above 2 points per match, maintaining a substantial 0.7 ppm lead over the second-place Chefs.
Other notable performances in the Challenger Level included:
- Nashville’s strong finish with two regulation wins on Sunday
- D.C.’s upset victory over the Night Owls in a Dreambreaker, highlighted by Stefan Auvergne’s inspired play
- California’s women’s team excellence, with Layne Sleeth emerging as a strong contender for Challenger Level MVP
- Florida’s marked improvement following the addition of Paula Rives
- Bay Area’s struggle with close matches, losing three games by just two points
Looking Ahead: MLP New York City
As the dust settles on the MLP San Clemente event, attention now turns to the upcoming tournament at Sportime Randall’s Island in New York City. Set to begin on Thursday, this event will feature both Challenger Level teams and several Premier Level squads, promising another exciting chapter in the 2025 MLP season.
The MLP San Clemente event has reshaped the league standings, intensified rivalries, and set the stage for an thrilling second half of the season. As teams continue to evolve and adapt, the race for playoff positions is sure to provide pickleball fans with plenty of excitement in the weeks to come.
