Brooklyn Aces Win Challenger Title in MLP: On a radiant Sunday at Belknap Park, the Brooklyn Aces secured the Challenger Level Championship at the MLP Mid-Season Tournament, defeating the Las Vegas Night Owls with a decisive 3-1 victory.
Early Tension and Momentum Shift
Las Vegas initially appeared ready for an upset. Judit Castillo and Chao Yi Wang made it to a 26-24 victory in mixed doubles against Lina Padegimaite and Layne Sleeth, setting a dramatic tone for the match. But Brooklyn, undeterred, quickly found their rhythm and didn’t look back.
Daniel De La Rosa and Pablo Tellez delivered a commanding 25-17 win over Mo Alhouni and Anderson Scarpa in the men’s doubles, shifting the force firmly in Brooklyn’s favor. The energy was clear as De La Rosa and Sleeth then edged out Wang and Alhouni 26-24 in a tightly contested mixed doubles encounter.
The decisive moment came when Padegimaite and Tellez stepped onto the court. Their flawless 25-17 victory over Castillo and Scarpa sealed the championship for Brooklyn, sparking jubilant celebrations among their supporters.
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A Team of Fighters
Samin Odhwani, the Aces’ general manager, beamed with pride as he reflected on the team’s journey. “I think it comes down to a team of fighters. Everyone’s willing to put everything out there every single day, they work hard in between events, they come early, they come ready to practice,” Odhwani said. “I’ve just been so blessed to be around this group. We’re coming for that full-season championship, baby! This is just step one.”
For Pablo Tellez, the victory held special significance. Recently traded from the Premier Level’s Texas Ranchers, this was his first MLP tournament with Brooklyn. The Colombian standout was eager to prove himself and did so in spectacular fashion.
“I think the team helped a lot [with the transition from Premier to Challenger],We have a very professional staff. We have a full-time coach, full-time trainer, and an amazing GM, and everybody just came together to get this win.”-(tellez)
A Gritty Battle for Third
Meanwhile, the SoCal Hard Eights and the Miami Pickleball Club faced a gritty battle for third place. The match, which is proof of the competitive spirit of the Challenger Level, ended in a nail-biting 21-19 DreamBreaker. Ultimately, SoCal emerged victorious, presenting the depth of talent and determination prevalent throughout the tournament.
As the dust settled on the courts of Belknap Park, the Brooklyn Aces stood tall as champions, their eyes already set on the full-season championship. With a blend of adaptability, skill, and a supportive team environment, they have laid a strong foundation for future success. The journey continues, but for now, the Aces can savor the sweet taste of victory, knowing this is just the beginning.
News in Brief: Brooklyn Aces Win Challenger Title in MLP
On a sunny Sunday at Belknap Park, the Brooklyn Aces secured the Challenger Level Championship at the MLP Mid-Season Tournament, defeating the Las Vegas Night Owls 3-1. Despite a mixed doubles loss, Brooklyn rallied with Daniel De La Rosa and Pablo Tellez dominating men’s doubles 25-17. De La Rosa and Layne Sleeth secured a tight 26-24 mixed doubles win, and Lina Padegimaite with Tellez sealed the championship 25-17 in women’s doubles.
General Manager Samin Odhwani praised the team’s dedication and pointed out their ambition for the full-season title. Tellez, newly traded from the Texas Ranchers, highlighted the team’s professional support. Meanwhile, the SoCal Hard Eights edged out the Miami Pickleball Club in a thrilling 21-19 DreamBreaker for third place.
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