Chicago Slice Snaps Losing Streak: The Chicago Slice broke a three-match losing streak with a close 3-2 win over the Utah Black Diamonds on Sunday. The match ended in a DreamBreaker, where Chicago held off Utah for a 21-19 win, finishing their 2025 MLP Daytona Beach weekend on a high note.
The win brought the Chicago Slice to 4-10 with 14 points, while the Utah Black Diamonds dropped to 6-9 with 19 points. After struggling in earlier matches, Chicago relied on a strong performance from Callie Smith to get back on track.
Strong Wins Help Chicago Reach the DreamBreaker
The match began with a huge win in women’s doubles. Callie Smith and Vivian Glozman of the Chicago Slice beat Allyce Jones and Genie Erokhina of the Utah Black Diamonds 11-2.
Utah responded in men’s doubles. Connor Garnett and Tyler Loong beat James Ignatowich and Max Freeman 11-3. Chicago took the lead again when Callie Smith and Max Freeman won their mixed doubles game 11-1 over Genie Erokhina and Tyler Loong.
Utah evened things up again when Connor Garnett and Allyce Jones won 11-7 over James Ignatowich and Vivian Glozman. That brought the match to a DreamBreaker.
| Event | Chicago Slice | Score | Utah Black Diamonds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women’s Doubles | Callie Smith / Vivian Glozman | 11-2 | Allyce Jones / Genie Erokhina |
| Men’s Doubles | James Ignatowich / Max Freeman | 3-11 | Connor Garnett / Tyler Loong |
| Mixed Doubles 1 | Callie Smith / Max Freeman | 11-1 | Genie Erokhina / Tyler Loong |
| Mixed Doubles 2 | James Ignatowich / Vivian Glozman | 7-11 | Connor Garnett / Allyce Jones |
| DreamBreaker | Max Freeman, James Ignatowich, Vivian Glozman, Callie Smith | 21-19 | Connor Garnett, Tyler Loong, Allyce Jones, Genie Erokhina |
Callie Smith Leads Team to Final Victory
In the DreamBreaker, all four players from each team played singles points. Callie Smith led the way by outscoring Genie Erokhina 5-3 over two turns. Chicago won the DreamBreaker 21-19 and sealed the overall win. After the match, Callie Smith praised her team’s effort.
“We wanted to bring the energy and come out strong, and that’s what we did. We stuck together and just fought for every point—that’s what pickleball is about. That’s what sports is about, and I’m just really proud of this team today.” – (Callie Smith)
Vivian Glozman, who scored the final point against Allyce Jones, spoke about joining Chicago just days before.
“It’s been crazy. I think I’m the most traded player in MLP, but my team has been so supportive throughout the whole thing. Callie has been such a great leader and teammate, and I think she really pulled us through this one.” – (Glozman)
Next Steps for Chicago and Utah
The Chicago Slice finished their Florida matches with two wins and four losses. They will next compete in the Edward Jones MLP Mid-Season Tournament from July 9 to July 13 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The Utah Black Diamonds will look to regroup after falling short in the DreamBreaker.
View this post on Instagram
News in Brief: Chicago Slice Snaps Losing Streak
The Chicago Slice ended a three-match skid with a 3-2 win over the Utah Black Diamonds, winning the final DreamBreaker 21-19. Callie Smith led the way, while newcomer Vivian Glozman scored the last point. Chicago will return to action in July at the Edward Jones MLP Mid-Season Tournament.