Christian Alshon Chooses MLP Over PPA: In a dominant display, the Texas Ranchers powered their way into the quarterfinals of the MLP Mid-Season Tournament, dispatching the Carolina Pickleball Club with a commanding 3-0 victory on Thursday afternoon. The match, a stark contrast to their previous encounter, highlighted the impact of Christian Alshon’s return to the lineup.
A Game-Changer Returns: Alshon’s Impact
The previous matchup between these two teams, at last month’s MLP event in Washington D.C., had seen Carolina edge out Texas in a thrilling DreamBreaker. This time, however, the Ranchers had a game-changer on their side—Christian Alshon. The 24-year-old, who missed the D.C. event due to illness, made his presence felt in every aspect of the game.
Setting the Tone: Women’s Doubles Dominance
The action kicked off with Etta Wright and Tina Pisnik of Texas comfortably securing the women’s doubles point against Carolina’s Andrea Koop and Jessie Irvine. This set the tone for what would be a thrilling match.
Showdown of the Day: Men’s Doubles Thriller
The men’s doubles duel that followed was nothing short of spectacular. Alshon, paired with the recently acquired Quang Duong, faced off against the Johns brothers, Ben and Collin. In a nail-biting contest that could be considered the match of the day, Texas won with a 28-26 victory. Alshon, who usually plays the left side, showcased his versatility with a masterclass in aggressive right-side play, frequently poaching off Duong’s drives and disrupting the Johns’ rhythm.
Multiple game-ending opportunities arose for both teams, but Texas managed to clinch the win, thanks in part to some untimely kitchen violations from Collin Johns during critical overhead shots.
Rising Stars: Alshon and Duong Shine
Alshon had high praise for Duong, highlighting the young player’s readiness to seize his moment on the premier-level stage. “The amazing thing about MLP is that you get a chance to play with some top players,” Alshon explained. “In PPA, it’s really hard to break into the top ten doubles teams. But in MLP, you’re given an opportunity to play with the top players in different events, and that’s huge for up-and-coming players to break into that top group. It happened to me with Riley Newman when I had my chance to show that I was worthy of being a top player, and it’s happening with Quang right now.”
With the Ranchers leading 2-0, Alshon and Wright returned to the court for mixed doubles against Irvine and Ben Johns. Trailing 20-24, the Texas duo displayed remarkable resilience, reeling off six consecutive points to snatch the win and seal the 3-0 triumph.
Looking Ahead: Quarterfinal Showdown
As the Ranchers advance, they now prepare to face their in-state rivals, the Dallas Flash, in the quarterfinals on Friday. Meanwhile, the Carolina Pickleball Club heads to the consolation bracket, reflecting on what might have been in a closely contested matchup.
The Texas Ranchers‘ performance showed the depth and talent within their ranks, with Alshon’s return marking a significant boost to their championship aspirations. With the stakes rising, all eyes will be on the upcoming quarterfinal clash, promising more thrilling pickleball action.
News in Brief: Christian Alshon Chooses MLP Over PPA
The Texas Ranchers advanced to the quarterfinals of the MLP Mid-Season Tournament with a dominant 3-0 victory over the Carolina Pickleball Club. Christian Alshon’s return from illness played a pivotal role in their success. The match began with Etta Wright and Tina Pisnik winning the women’s doubles. Alshon, paired with Quang Duong, triumphed over the Johns brothers in a thrilling men’s doubles, 28-26. Alshon and Wright then clinched the mixed doubles, overcoming a 20-24 deficit to win six straight points. The Ranchers now face the Dallas Flash in the quarterfinals, while Carolina moves to the consolation bracket. Alshon’s impact was crucial, showcasing the depth and talent of the Texas Ranchers.
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