Anna Leigh Waters Leads New Jersey 5s: In Grand Rapids, MI, the New Jersey 5s have punched their ticket to the Premier finals of the MLP Mid-Season Tournament with a decisive 3-1 victory over the Dallas Flash on a sun-drenched Saturday afternoon. This wasn’t just another match for the 5s; it was a statement, a testament to their resilience and unyielding spirit.
A Formidable Quartet
Led by the formidable quartet of Anna Leigh Waters, Zane Navratil, Mari Humberg, and Will Howells, New Jersey had navigated the choppy waters of the season with the aid of DreamBreakers. Yet, in this semifinal clash, they showcased a new level of dominance, rendering a deciding contest unnecessary.
Dallas drew first blood. The dynamic duo of JW Johnson and Augie Ge outplayed Navratil and Howells in the men’s doubles, securing a 25-15 victory and placing the Flash in an early lead. The pressure then shifted to Waters and Humberg. The women’s doubles point was a must-win to prevent New Jersey from sinking into a daunting 0-2 hole.
Rising to the occasion, Waters and Humberg delivered. They outmaneuvered Jorja Johnson and Hurricane Tyra Black, clinching a 25-18 win to level the match. Humberg, with her deft backhand slice dink, consistently set up Waters for decisive attacks, showcasing her tactical acumen and precision.
Pivotal Mixed Doubles Victory
Momentum firmly on their side, Humberg carried her form into the first mixed doubles game alongside Navratil. Facing the Johnson siblings, they engaged in what might be remembered as the game of the tournament. The Johnsons mounted a fierce comeback from a 16-24 deficit, but ultimately, Humberg and Navratil held their nerve to edge a thrilling 30-28 victory. This win was not only pivotal for the match but also for the pair’s confidence, marking their first triumph after a challenging 0-4 start to their mixed doubles partnership.
“We went in with the mentality of having nothing to lose, and we just tried to stay loose and play our game,” Humberg reflected, her face flushed with the glow of victory. “We all really trust each other. We’ve grown to be friends all around, and it’s definitely easier to play with someone you trust.”
The final act saw Will Howells and Anna Leigh Waters take center stage against Black and Ge. They sealed the match and New Jersey’s place in the championship with a clinical performance, securing the team’s first regulation victory of the season.
The Secret to Success
Ryan Harwood, the general manager of the 5s, attributes the team’s success to its unwavering positivity.
As New Jersey prepares to face either the St. Louis Shock or the D.C. Pickleball Team in the final, the Dallas Flash will regroup in the consolation bracket. For the 5s, this journey to the finals is more than a series of victories; it’s a testament to their camaraderie, their belief in each other, and their relentless pursuit of excellence.
News in Brief: Anna Leigh Waters Leads New Jersey 5s
In Grand Rapids, MI, the New Jersey 5s clinched a spot in the Premier finals of the MLP Mid-Season Tournament with a commanding 3-1 victory over the Dallas Flash. Led by Anna Leigh Waters, Zane Navratil, Mari Humberg, and Will Howells, the 5s showcased their dominance. Despite an early loss in men’s doubles, Waters and Humberg leveled the score in women’s doubles. A pivotal mixed doubles win by Humberg and Navratil, followed by Howells and Waters’ victory, sealed their first regulation win of the season. General Manager Ryan Harwood praised the team’s positivity and camaraderie as they prepare for the final against either the St. Louis Shock or DC Pickleball Team.
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