Chicago Slice’s MLP Columbus Victory: The Chicago Slice pulled off a tight win over the Carolina Hogs in a thrilling DreamBreaker match Saturday afternoon at the 2025 Major League Pickleball season at MLP Columbus. The event took place at Pickle & Chill and is presented by The James at Ohio State.
Chicago Edges Out Shorthanded Carolina
The Chicago Slice, now 2-3 with 5 points, beat the Carolina Hogs, who fell to 0-6 with 2 points. Carolina was missing most of its regular lineup, playing with only Tamaryn Emmrich as a usual starter.
Despite this, the Hogs played with heart and nearly pulled off an upset. They kept the match close until the final moments, pushing the Slice to the edge.
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Carolina’s Doubles Impress
Tamaryn Emmrich and Zoey Weil teamed up in women’s doubles to get a big win. Weil replaced both Kaitlyn Christian, who was injured, and Liz Truluck, who was unavailable. Emmrich also played mixed doubles with Martin Emmrich.
Together, they saved a match point against Vivienne David and James Ignatowich. These efforts helped Carolina take two key wins, giving them a real shot at victory.
DreamBreaker Turns the Tide
The DreamBreaker match was tense. Ross Whittaker scored a 4-0 run against James Ignatowich to give Carolina a 19-17 lead. But Max Freeman answered with his own 4-0 run over Martin Emmrich, helping Chicago grab the win and two valuable standings points.
Here are the full DreamBreaker results:
- James Ignatowich 5-7 Ross Whittaker
- Max Freeman 10-2 Martin Emmrich
- Callie Smith 4-4 Tamaryn Emmrich
- Vivienne David 2-6 Zoey Weil
Miami Gets a Win Too
In the day’s first match on the Toray Championship Court, the Miami Pickleball Club earned a win over the Phoenix Flames. Miami’s success came from two mixed doubles victories. Later in the day, Miami is set to play against the Chicago Slice in another important match.
What This Means Going Forward
Chicago kept its playoff hopes alive with this win, while Carolina is still looking for its first victory. The Slice will try to build on this momentum in their next match. Carolina, despite the loss, showed that even a shorthanded team can compete at a high level.
News in Brief: Chicago Slice’s MLP Columbus Victory
The Chicago Slice beat the Carolina Hogs in a close DreamBreaker at 2025 MLP Columbus. Carolina, missing key players, nearly pulled off an upset. Strong play by Max Freeman helped Chicago take the win. Miami Pickleball Club also picked up a victory over the Phoenix Flames earlier Saturday.
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