MLP Setbacks Highlights: The MLP Mid-Season Tournament in Grand Rapids was a huge success, drawing large crowds, presenting stellar play, and featuring exciting matches. The tournament’s climax, a Dreambreaker final, provided the drama that fans crave. But in between the highlights, there were also some notable low points.
Highlights and Lowlights
Utah’s Ongoing Struggles
Utah’s woes continue as they remain winless, losing both matches in Grand Rapids. Their match against AZ Drive was a close call, going to a Dreambreaker, but AZ was missing key player Andrei Daescu. Alix Truong’s ongoing slump, failing to win a match again, is a significant concern. Utah needs a reformation possibly through a trade, but the question is whether they will pursue one.
Carolina’s Misfires
Carolina, much like Utah, went two and out in Grand Rapids. Ben Johns’ surprising 0-3 record raised eyebrows. Both Ben and Collin Johns seem to lack enthusiasm for MLP, as reflected in their performance. With weak contributions from the women’s side, Carolina’s hinge on Ben’s dominance, which was sorely missing in this tournament.
Columbus’ Ugly Exit
Columbus also withdrew after two matches, and their exit was far from graceful. Meghan Dizon and Brooke Buckner had a particularly rough tournament, going winless and posting the worst stats of any players. Dizon’s prolonged slump, despite supposed recovery from health issues, has dragged the team down. Her performance in the last two months at PPA and MLP events has been subpar, leaving Columbus in a bind. Dizon is too talented to cut, but finding a trade partner seems unlikely. Without a significant turnaround from Dizon, Columbus’s prospects look grim.
Looking Ahead
The next event in Salt Lake City begins on July 25. This tournament will return to a pool play format, raising questions about whether the excitement level will match that of the bracket-style tournament in Grand Rapids.
As we move forward, the Grand Rapids event has set a high bar for drama and engagement. Teams like New Jersey have shown their potential, but for others like Utah, Carolina, and Columbus, it’s clear that changes are needed to compete at the highest level. The Salt Lake City event will be crucial in determining whether these struggling teams can find their base or if their downward spirals will continue.
News in Brief: MLP Setbacks Highlights
The MLP Mid-Season Tournament in Grand Rapids was a success, highlighted by large crowds and exciting matches, leading to an exciting Dreambreaker final. However, several teams faced challenges. Utah remained winless, struggling with Alix Truong’s poor performance. Carolina also exited early, with Ben Johns posting an unexpected 0-3 record, reflecting a lack of enthusiasm.
Columbus had a rough tournament as well, with Meghan Dizon and Brooke Buckner going winless. Looking ahead to the next event in Salt Lake City on July 25, the return to pool play raises questions about maintaining excitement. The Grand Rapids tournament set a high standard, highlighting the need for changes among struggling teams to remain competitive.
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