Chicago Slice Stuns Atlanta Bouncers: The Chicago Slice grabbed their first win of the 2025 Major League Pickleball season on Friday with a 3-1 victory over the Atlanta Bouncers at Pickle & Chill in Columbus, Ohio. The match was part of the 2025 MLP Columbus event presented by The James at Ohio State.
Strong Start in Doubles Pushes Chicago Ahead
The Chicago Slice came out fast, winning both gender doubles matches. In women’s doubles, Callie Smith and Vivienne David beat Vivian Glozman and Victoria DiMuzio 11-3. In men’s doubles, James Ignatowich and Max Freeman defeated Jaume Martinez Vich and Todd Fought 11-2.
Atlanta got on the board in the first mixed doubles match. Vivian Glozman and Jaume Martinez Vich took that round. But Chicago sealed the win in the second mixed doubles match. Vivienne David and James Ignatowich won to end the match 3-1 in favor of the Slice.
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Building a New Team From Scratch
The Chicago Slice started this season with a clean slate. None of their players were returning from 2024. The team built a full new roster through free agency in March.
One of their key picks was Max Freeman, who was chosen 10th overall. He had no past MLP experience but was known for his college tennis career at Vanderbilt University. He was also the teammate of James Ignatowich at Vanderbilt.
“That was a shocker to me, to be honest. It’s definitely taking a big risk on a rookie, but I’m very lucky to play with my good friend James. It also bodes well for me as a rookie that I have three experienced players on my team. I’m definitely learning from them every step of the way, and I think we’re getting better as time goes on.” – (Freeman)
Next Matches on Saturday
Both teams will return to action on Saturday. The Chicago Slice will go up against the Carolina Hogs. The Atlanta Bouncers will face the Orlando Squeeze. This first win gives Chicago hope for turning their season around. For Atlanta, the loss makes the road to the playoffs tougher, but the season still has more games to go.
News in Brief: Chicago Slice Stuns Atlanta Bouncers
The Chicago Slice got their first win of the season Friday at 2025 MLP Columbus, beating the Atlanta Bouncers 3-1. Strong doubles play and a solid rookie showing by Max Freeman helped seal the win. Both teams are back in action Saturday in important matches for playoff hopes.
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