California Black Bears Wins Over Nashville Chefs: The California Black Bears won a tight 3-2 battle over the Nashville Chefs on May 24, during the 2025 MLP Austin season at Austin Pickle Ranch. The win was decided in the final DreamBreaker round after both teams split the four doubles matches. The Black Bears now hold a 3-1 record this season.
Close Start in Women’s and Men’s Doubles
The match began with a narrow win for the California Black Bears in the women’s doubles. Layne Sleeth and Lina Padegimaite beat Michelle Esquivel and Ewa Radzikowska 11-9.
Nashville Chefs answered back in the men’s doubles. Marshall Brown and Anderson Scarpa took down Rafa Hewett and Juan Benitez 11-7, tying the match at 1-1.
Mixed Doubles Brings More Drama
In the first mixed doubles, Michelle Esquivel and Marshall Brown edged out Rafa Hewett and Layne Sleeth 13-11. That gave the Nashville Chefs a 2-1 lead in the match.
The California Black Bears responded in the second mixed doubles. Juan Benitez and Lina Padegimaite beat Ewa Radzikowska and Anderson Scarpa 11-4 to even things again at 2-2.
DreamBreaker Seals the Win
The match went into a DreamBreaker singles showdown to decide the winner. The California Black Bears team of Rafa Hewett, Juan Benitez, Layne Sleeth, and Lina Padegimaite won the round 21-18 over the Nashville Chefs’ team of Marshall Brown, Anderson Scarpa, Michelle Esquivel, and Ewa Radzikowska.
California Moves Up in the Standings
This victory brings the California Black Bears to three wins in the 2025 Major League Pickleball season. They showed strong teamwork and the ability to bounce back under pressure.
The Nashville Chefs, now at 2-2, fought hard but came up short in the final round. Both teams remain in the hunt as the 2025 MLP Austin event continues.
| Match Type | California Black Bears | Nashville Chefs | Score | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Women’s Doubles | Layne Sleeth / Lina Padegimaite | Michelle Esquivel / Ewa Radzikowska | 11–9 | California Black Bears |
| Men’s Doubles | Rafa Hewett / Juan Benitez | Marshall Brown / Anderson Scarpa | 7-11 | Nashville Chefs |
| Mixed Doubles 1 | Rafa Hewett / Layne Sleeth | Michelle Esquivel / Marshall Brown | 11-13 | Nashville Chefs |
| Mixed Doubles 2 | Juan Benitez / Lina Padegimaite | Ewa Radzikowska / Anderson Scarpa | 11–4 | California Black Bears |
| DreamBreaker | Rafa Hewett / Juan Benitez / Layne Sleeth / Lina Padegimaite | Marshall Brown / Anderson Scarpa / Michelle Esquivel / Ewa Radzikowska | 21-18 | California Black Bears |
News in Brief: California Black Bears Wins Over Nashville Chefs
The California Black Bears defeated the Nashville Chefs 3-2 on May 24, at 2025 MLP Austin. After splitting the doubles matches, the Black Bears won the DreamBreaker 21-18. They now hold a 3-1 season record, while the Chefs fall to 2-2 in the Major League Pickleball standings.
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