DC Pickleball Team’s MLP Quest: In Major League Pickleball, redemption is a sweet but elusive prize. For the DC Pickleball Team (DCPT), the Advil Targeted Relief MLP Mid-Season Tournament was a chance to rewrite their narrative after a less-than-stellar performance at MLP D.C. Despite their 2-3 record there, the team approached the Mid-Season Tournament with an unwavering belief in their abilities. “There wasn’t one team we played that we couldn’t beat, but we just couldn’t execute in the final moments of a few of those matches,” Dekel Bar reflected on the D.C. event.
Unlike the usual MLP format, the Mid-Season Tournament operates under a double-elimination system. With matches decided in a “first to three games” format, the top four seeds earn a first-round BYE, setting up a gauntlet for the rest. As the No. 5 seed, DCPT faced the Utah Black Diamonds right out of the gate.
Round 1: DC Pickleball Team vs. Utah Black Diamonds
The Black Diamonds were familiar foes, having been bested by the DC Pickleball Team in their previous encounter. This time, DC Pickleball came out with a vengeance. The men’s doubles match showcased the dynamic partnership of James Ignatowitch and Dekel Bar, who delivered a commanding 25-20 victory. Bar and Ignatowitch’s synergy on the court reaffirmed why they are considered one of the most formidable duos in MLP.
Vivian Glozman made her DCPT debut in women’s doubles, pairing with Rachel Rohrabacher against Callie Smith and Alix Truong. Glozman’s impact was immediate and impressive. Her and Rohrabacher’s seamless coordination led to a staggering 25-9 win, the largest margin of victory in Major League Pickleball history. “The first time we practiced was [in Michigan] and it was honestly pretty easy,” Glozman said, underscoring their quick adaptation and formidable play.
With a 2-0 lead, DCPT looked to close out the match. Bar and Glozman, former AZ Drive teammates, faced Jay Devilliers and Truong. Their combined experience and skill proved too much for their opponents, and DCPT moved on to the next round. “Dekel has always helped me with my game,” Glozman commented on the team’s support and the guidance of Coach Kyle, who she praised for his thoughtful approach.
Round 2: DC Pickleball Team vs. NY Hustlers
The NY Hustlers awaited the DC Pickleball Team in the second round, a team that had edged them out in a Dreambreaker earlier in the season. The women’s doubles clash was a fierce battle, ending in a thrilling 26-25 victory for DCPT, thanks to Glozman’s decisive play. “MLP matchups are always so close, so it always feels good to come away with a tight one,” Glozman reflected on their hard-fought win.
The men’s doubles match saw Bar and Ignatowich take on CJ Klinger and Jack Sock. The duo’s preparation and strategic adjustments led to a dominant 25-15 victory. Bar noted the importance of consistency and execution, which propelled DCPT to a 3-0 win and a spot in the semifinals.
Semifinals: DC Pickleball Team vs. STL Shock
Facing the No. 1 seed STL Shock for the third time, DCPT was determined to secure victory. Their first match had ended in a Dreambreaker, and the second saw the Shock narrowly win 3-1. The semifinals began with men’s doubles, where Bar and Ignatowich defeated Tardio and Patriquin 25-18. This set the stage for a series of tightly contested games.
The women’s doubles match was a classic showdown between Glozman, Rohrabacher, and the Shock’s Bright and Fahey. Despite a strong performance, DCPT lost 23-25, evening the score. Glozman compared the match to a tennis doubles game, emphasizing the importance of key points.
Bar and Glozman overcame the Shock’s Jay Devilliers and Bright with a 25-20 win. However, Ignatowich and Rohrabacher’s match against Bright and Patriquin was another nail-biter, ending in a 21-25 loss, sending the match to a Dreambreaker.
In the Dreambreaker, the intensity was visible. The teams exchanged points fiercely, and as the game neared its climax, Rohrabacher delivered a decisive 22-20 victory, securing DCPT’s place in the finals. “To make the finals of this tournament says a lot about this team,” Rohrabacher said. “We all want what’s best and it’s so nice to have the ownership here as well.”
Finals: DC Pickleball Team vs. New Jersey 5s
The final showdown was set: DC Pickleball Team against the No. 2 seeded New Jersey 5s. The match was broadcast live on ESPN2, adding to the excitement. Ignatowich and Bar faced Will Howells and Zane Navratil, coming back from an early deficit to secure a 25-15 win.
In women’s doubles, Glozman and Rohrabacher battled Anna Leigh Waters and Mariana Humberg. Despite a strong start, they fell 21-25, leveling the match. The subsequent games were a back-and-forth affair, with Bar and Glozman’s effort falling short against Waters and Howells, resulting in a 22-25 loss and putting the 5s in a winning position.
The final mixed doubles was a high-stakes duel. Ignatowich and Rohrabacher fought valiantly against Navratil and Humberg, eventually leading to a Dreambreaker. The final points were a thrilling exchange, with Navratil’s precision shot sealing the win for the 5s.
Coach Kyle, reflecting on the tournament, said, “We’re not hanging our heads, obviously this stings a little bit, but this is why [MLP] is so great. There’s an opportunity for people to step it up in the big moments, and credit to the 5s.”
Despite the loss, DCPT’s performance was a testament to their resilience and skill. With their heads held high, they now look to improve their regular-season record at MLP Kansas City, where they will open against the Dallas Flash on August 3.
News in Brief: DC Pickleball Team’s MLP Quest
In the Advil Targeted Relief MLP Mid-Season Tournament, the DC Pickleball Team (DCPT) sought redemption after a disappointing MLP D.C. performance. As the No. 5 seed, they faced the Utah Black Diamonds first, securing a 2-0 lead with dominant wins in men’s and women’s doubles. They advanced by overcoming the NY Hustlers with a thrilling 26-25 win in women’s doubles and a decisive 25-15 victory in men’s doubles.
In the semifinals, DCPT battled the top-seeded STL Shock, clinching a Dreambreaker win in the final match to reach the finals. Facing the No. 2 New Jersey 5s, DCPT fought hard but ultimately lost, with Zane Navratil’s decisive shot in mixed doubles sealing the victory for the 5s. Coach Kyle praised the team’s effort, and DCPT now sets their sights on improving their record at MLP Kansas City.
Also Read: Debate on Pickleball’s Financial Transparency in Twitter
