MLP Edward Jones San Clemente Event Preview: Everything You Need to Know
Major League Pickleball (MLP) is back in action after a brief hiatus, and the excitement is palpable as the Edward Jones MLP San Clemente event takes center stage. Set to unfold at the iconic LifeTime Rancho San Clemente venue from Thursday, June 26 to Sunday, June 29, this tournament promises thrilling matches and intense competition. Let’s dive into all the details you need to know about this upcoming pickleball extravaganza.
Setting the Stage: Perfect Weather and Fierce Competition
The weather forecast for San Clemente couldn’t be more ideal for pickleball, with sunny skies and comfortable temperatures expected throughout the event. This perfect backdrop sets the stage for what promises to be an electrifying tournament.
As we head into this event, the current standings show a tight race among the top teams. The Major League Pickleball landscape is fiercely competitive, with several teams vying for supremacy. The teams highlighted in light red in the standings are the ones participating in the Edward Jones MLP San Clemente event, adding an extra layer of importance to their performances.
Tournament Structure and Schedule
The Edward Jones MLP San Clemente event features both Premier and Challenger level competitions. In the Premier level, six teams will battle it out, each playing a different number of matches:
- LA Mad Drops and Phoenix Flames: 5 matches each
- Utah Black Diamonds and SoCal Hard Eights: 5 matches each
- Brooklyn Pickleball Team and Columbus Sliders: 4 matches each
All six Challenger Level teams are also in attendance and will play every other team once, resulting in 15 matches at this level.
In total, fans can look forward to 29 thrilling matches over the course of the event – 14 in Premier and 15 in Challenger. This packed schedule ensures non-stop pickleball action for attendees and viewers alike.
Notable Player Injuries and Roster Changes
As with any major sporting event, injuries and last-minute changes can impact team strategies and performances. The Edward Jones MLP San Clemente event is no exception, with several key players dealing with health issues:
- The Brooklyn Pickleball Team is facing significant challenges on the men’s side. Dekel Bar is battling an illness, while Riley Newman is nursing a hip injury from the recent MLP Phoenix event.
- Tyler Loong of the Utah Black Diamonds is questionable due to a wrist injury, though he’s determined to play through it.
To address potential roster gaps, MLP has designated on-site alternates: AJ Koller, Rafa Hewett, Greg Dow, and Lara Giltinan. These players stand ready to step in if needed, ensuring that the competition remains at the highest level despite any unforeseen circumstances.
Team-by-Team Preview: Premier Level
1. Brooklyn Pickleball Team
Current Standing: 4th in Points Per Match (PPM) with 2.09
San Clemente Matches: 4
Opponents: LA, Phoenix, SoCal, Utah
Projected Starters: Rachel Rohrabacher, Jackie Kawamoto, AJ Koller (alternate), Pat Smith (sub)
Brooklyn enters the tournament facing significant challenges due to injuries and illnesses affecting their male players. With Dekel Bar and Riley Newman sidelined, and Pat Smith’s status uncertain, the team will rely heavily on their female players, Jackie Kawamoto and Rachel Rohrabacher, to carry them through. Despite these setbacks, Brooklyn has a chance to secure some points against SoCal and Phoenix, potentially winnable matchups regardless of their lineup.
Predicted Points: 5 out of a possible 12. The health issues are likely to impact Brooklyn’s performance, potentially dropping them to a tie for 8th place in the standings after this event.
2. LA Mad Drops
Current Standing: 5th in PPM with 2.0
San Clemente Matches: 5
Opponents: SoCal, Brooklyn, Utah, Columbus, Phoenix
Projected Starters: Catherine Parenteau, Jade Kawamoto, Quang Duong, Hunter Thomas
As one of the host teams, the LA Mad Drops are looking to make a statement and establish themselves as title contenders. With a favorable schedule, they have a good chance of securing wins against SoCal, a depleted Brooklyn team, Utah, and Phoenix. The matchup against Columbus on Sunday morning will be a key test of their championship aspirations.
Predicted Points: 14 out of a possible 15. The Mad Drops are poised for a strong showing, potentially going 5-0 in San Clemente with only a single point dropped in a Dreambreaker win over the Sliders.
3. Columbus Sliders
Current Standing: 8th in PPM with 1.82
San Clemente Matches: 4
Opponents: SoCal, Utah, LA, Phoenix
Projected Starters: Parris Todd, Lea Jansen, Andrei Daescu, CJ Klinger
The Columbus Sliders remain somewhat of an unknown quantity, having not played since the MLP Columbus event in early May. However, this extended break may have worked in their favor, allowing Lea Jansen to fully recover from a foot/ankle injury. With title aspirations and a team that’s only played five matches together at full strength, the Sliders are eager to prove themselves in San Clemente.
Predicted Points: 10 out of a possible 12. A strong performance could see Columbus solidify their playoff position, potentially leapfrogging several teams to claim the 5th spot in the standings.
4. Utah Black Diamonds
Current Standing: 9th in PPM with 1.27
San Clemente Matches: 5
Opponents: Phoenix, LA, Columbus, SoCal, Brooklyn
Projected Starters: Allyce Jones, Genie Erokhina, Connor Garnett, Tyler Loong (questionable)
The Utah Black Diamonds face uncertainty heading into San Clemente, primarily due to Tyler Loong’s wrist injury. While Loong is determined to play, the team has Yates Johnson on standby as a potential substitute. The Black Diamonds’ performance will largely depend on Loong’s ability to play effectively through his injury.
Predicted Points: 5 out of a possible 10. The injury concerns may hinder Utah’s performance, but they’re expected to maintain their current standing in the league.
5. Phoenix Flames
Current Standing: 13th in PPM with 0.64
San Clemente Matches: 5
Opponents: Utah, Brooklyn, SoCal, Columbus, LA
Projected Starters: Jessie Irvine, Genie Bouchard, Tyson McGuffin, Jack Sock
While the Phoenix Flames have been entertaining to watch, their on-court results have been less than stellar. As the only Premier Level team without a regulation win this season, they’re eager to change that narrative in San Clemente. With other teams dealing with injuries, the Flames may have an opportunity to secure their first regulation victory.
Predicted Points: 7 out of a possible 15. This performance could help Phoenix move up to 12th place in the standings, overtaking the Atlanta Bouncers.
6. SoCal Hard Eights
Current Standing: Tied for 15th in PPM with 0.5
San Clemente Matches: 5
Opponents: LA, Brooklyn, Phoenix, Brooklyn, Utah
Projected Starters: Cailyn Campbell, Jalina Ingram, Blaine Hovenier, Ryan Fu
The SoCal Hard Eights have had a tumultuous season with numerous roster changes. While playoff contention seems unlikely, the team has some bright spots, including the improving Jalina Ingram and the potential breakout star Cailyn Campbell. Blaine Hovenier continues to be a standout performer and team motivator.
Predicted Points: 1 out of a possible 15. This performance would likely drop SoCal to last place, putting them at risk of being the first team mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.
Challenger Level Teams
1. Las Vegas Night Owls
Current Standing: 1st in PPM with 2.6
San Clemente Matches: 5
Opponents: Nashville, CBB, BAB, Florida, D.C.
Roster: Brooke Buckner, Zoey Wang, Pablo Tellez, James Delgado
The Night Owls have established themselves as the team to beat in the Challenger Level. With a strong roster and impressive performances so far, they’re poised to continue their dominance in San Clemente.
Predicted Points: 14 out of a possible 15, likely maintaining their position at the top of the Challenger Level standings.
2. Nashville Chefs
Current Standing: 2nd in PPM with 2.0
San Clemente Matches: 5
Opponents: LV, FL, CBB, BAB, D.C.
Roster: Ewa Radzkikowska, Michelle Esquivel, Anderson Scarpa, Marshall Brown
The Nashville Chefs were the surprise package of the MLP Austin event and have proven themselves to be legitimate title contenders. While they face a tough opening match against Las Vegas, their schedule eases up afterward, giving them a chance to solidify their position.
Predicted Points: 9 out of a possible 15, which may see them take a slight step back in the overall season standings.
3. D.C. Pickleball Team
Current Standing: 3rd in PPM with 1.8
San Clemente Matches: 5
Opponents: BAB, Florida, CBB, LV, Nashville
Roster: Andrea Koop, Christa Gecheva, Daniel De La Rosa, Stefan Auvergne
The D.C. Pickleball Team enters San Clemente with a new roster addition in Christa Gecheva, acquired in a trade with the New Jersey 5s. While the team performed well in doubles during the Austin event, they struggled in Dreambreakers. The key question is how quickly this new lineup can gel and translate their potential into points.
Predicted Points: 6 out of a possible 15, as the team may face some initial challenges integrating their new player.
4. California Black Bears
Current Standing: Tied for 4th in PPM with 1.0
San Clemente Matches: 5
Opponents: Florida, LV, Nashville, D.C., BAB
Roster: Lina Padigemaite, Layne Sleeth, Michael Loyd, Juan Benitez
The California Black Bears have also made a recent roster change, trading Rafa Hewett for Michael Loyd. Loyd’s addition brings valuable experience to the team, but like D.C., the question remains how quickly he can integrate with his new teammates. The Black Bears are expected to perform well in women’s doubles and mixed doubles, but may need time for Loyd and Benitez to find their rhythm in men’s doubles.
Predicted Points: 8 out of a possible 15, potentially moving them up slightly in the standings.
5. Bay Area Breakers
Current Standing: Tied for 4th in PPM with 1.0
San Clemente Matches: 5
Opponents: D.C., Las Vegas, Florida, CBB, Nashville
Roster: Alix Truong, Angie Walker, DJ Young, Eric Roddy
The Bay Area Breakers had an inconsistent showing in Austin and have since made a roster change, trading Danna Funaro for Angie Walker. Walker brings additional experience to the team, but it remains to be seen if this will translate into improved results on the court.
Predicted Points: 5 out of a possible 15, likely maintaining their current position in the standings.
6. Florida Smash
Current Standing: 6th in PPM with 0.6
San Clemente Matches: 5
Opponents: CBB, Nashville, D.C., LV, BAB
Roster: Martina Frantova, Paula Rives Palau, Travis Rettenmaier, Cason Campbell
Florida Smash had a challenging time in Austin, winning their opening match against the Black Bears but failing to earn any points thereafter. They’ve since added Paula Rives Palau to their roster, hoping to improve their performance. Cason Campbell has shown promise in doubles and continues to improve.
Predicted Points: 5 out of a possible 15, which could see them inch closer to the Breakers in the standings.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Event in the MLP Season
The Edward Jones MLP San Clemente event promises to be a crucial juncture in the 2025 Major League Pickleball season. With teams battling injuries, integrating new players, and fighting for playoff positions, every match will be critical. Fans can expect intense competition, potential upsets, and perhaps even some breakout performances from rising stars.
As the pickleball world turns its attention to San Clemente, one thing is certain: the landscape of both the Premier and Challenger levels could look significantly different by the tournament’s end. Whether you’re a die-hard pickleball fan or new to the sport, the Edward Jones MLP San Clemente event is not to be missed.
Stay tuned to The Dink Pickleball for ongoing coverage, analysis, and updates throughout the tournament. The future of professional pickleball is unfolding before our eyes, and San Clemente is set to be the stage for the next chapter in this exciting sport’s evolution.
