SRPA Outplays SPA to Take the Title: Seventy-eight members of the SaddleBrooke Pickleball Association (SPA) faced off against an equal number of SaddleBrooke Ranch Pickleball Association (SRPA) members in the Battle For the Saddle Tournament from November 8 to November 10, 2024. The event took place on the SRPA courts, where teams competed in women’s, men’s, and mixed doubles in a round-robin format.
Tournament Format and Results
Teams were classified by skill level: 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0. Each SPA team played every SRPA team within the same skill level. Medals were awarded to the top three teams in each class: gold for first place, silver for second, and bronze for third.
SPA teams won a total of 106 games, while SRPA teams claimed 154 victories. SRPA also outscored SPA in total points, with 2,490 points compared to SPA’s 1,978.
Women’s Tournament Highlights
The women’s teams competed on Friday, November 8, 2024. SPA members claimed medals in the 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0 levels. Notably, SPA members swept the 4.0 level, with Denise Leksell and Diana Giljohann winning gold, Cindy McAlbin and Joan Van Matre earning silver, and Kristy Johnson and Jill Ducket securing bronze.
Carolyn Nickum and Janine Sulivan finished fourth in the 4.0 category. SPA also took home the gold in the 3.0 level, with Jen Wilkin and Julie Warren claiming first place.
Men’s Tournament Highlights
On Saturday, November 9, 2024, the men’s teams played, with SPA earning medals in the 3.5 and 4.0 levels. At the 4.0 level, Brent Carlson and Mike Seidel claimed the gold medal. Joel Ficke and Jack Hoverter won silver at the 3.5 level, while Jay Schweitzer and Dave Connor secured bronze.
Mixed Doubles Tournament Highlights
The mixed doubles teams took to the courts on Sunday, November 10, 2024. Lizzie Bayard and Joel Ficke claimed the gold medal in the 3.0 level, and Michael Hovan and Sue Wood won silver at the 3.5 level.
Additional Participants
Many SPA members participated across various skill levels in doubles and mixed doubles categories. In the 3.0 women’s division, notable pairs included Brenda Browning and Susie Loyd, as well as Missy Roberts and Nancy Maglio.
For men’s 3.0, teams such as Ken Hallmen and Jeff Bowen, and Mark Steindoerfer and Art Busby competed. Other mixed doubles participants included Mark Cates and Jen Wilkin in the 3.0 category, and Ron Flanders and Denise Leksell in the 4.0.
Looking Ahead
Despite the tough competition, SPA members are hopeful about next year’s tournament, which will be hosted on their home courts at the Ed Robson Pickleball Center. The members are determined to bring the saddle trophy home to SPA next year.
News in Brief: SRPA Outplays SPA to Take the Title
In the Battle for the Saddle Tournament, members of the SaddleBrooke Pickleball Association (SPA) and SaddleBrooke Ranch Pickleball Association (SRPA) competed in women’s, men’s, and mixed doubles. SRPA won with 154 games and 2,490 points, while SPA earned 106 games and 1,978 points. SPA took several medals in women’s and men’s categories, with hopes for a comeback next year.