California Black Bears Dominate Bay Area Breakers: The 2025 Major League Pickleball season continued this week at Austin Pickle Ranch with the California Black Bears taking on the Bay Area Breakers. The California Black Bears won the match 3-1, showing strong play in most events.
California Black Bears Take Early Lead
The California Black Bears started strong, winning women’s doubles and men’s doubles matches. Layne Sleeth and Lina Padegimaite defeated Alix Truong and Danna Funaro 11-7 in women’s doubles. In men’s doubles, Rafa Hewett and Juan Benitez beat Eric Roddy and Darrian Young 11-5.
Mixed Doubles Matches Split Between Teams
The first mixed doubles match went to the California Black Bears. Juan Benitez and Lina Padegimaite won 11-9 over Eric Roddy and Danna Funaro.
However, the Bay Area Breakers fought back in the second mixed doubles match, with Alix Truong and Darrian Young edging out Rafa Hewett and Layne Sleeth 12-10.
| Match Type | California Black Bears | Bay Area Breakers | Score | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Women’s Doubles (WD) | Layne Sleeth / Lina Padegimaite | Alix Truong / Danna Funaro | 11–7 | California Black Bears |
| Men’s Doubles (MD) | Rafa Hewett / Juan Benitez | Eric Roddy / Darrian Young | 11–5 | California Black Bears |
| Mixed Doubles 1 | Juan Benitez / Lina Padegimaite | Eric Roddy / Danna Funaro | 11–9 | California Black Bears |
| Mixed Doubles 2 | Rafa Hewett / Layne Sleeth | Alix Truong / Darrian Young | 10-12 | Bay Area Breakers |
| DreamBreaker | Juan Benitez / Rafa Hewett / Lina Padegimaite / Layne Sleeth | Eric Roddy / Darrian Young / Alix Truong / Danna Funaro | 0-0 | n/a |
DreamBreaker Not Played
The DreamBreaker event, which usually involves all four players from each team, was not played during this match.
The California Black Bears’ strong performance gives them momentum as the season continues. The Bay Area Breakers will look to improve in their upcoming games.
News in Brief: California Black Bears Dominate Bay Area Breakers
The California Black Bears defeated the Bay Area Breakers 3-1 at Austin Pickle Ranch during the 2025 MLP Austin. California took wins in women’s doubles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles 1. The Bay Area won mixed doubles 2. The DreamBreaker event was not held. The season moves forward with more matches ahead.
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