The Edward Jones MLP San Clemente kicked off on Thursday at Life Time Rancho San Clemente. Only Challenger Level matches were played on the first day. California Black Bears defeated Florida Smash by winning three out of four matches, taking a strong early lead in the event.
Matches and Results
The day began with Women’s Doubles. Layne Sleeth and Lina Padegimaite of California Black Bears earned their team’s first point by defeating Martina Frantova and Paula Rives Palau 11–8.
Florida Smash came back in the Men’s Doubles. Travis Rettenmaier and Cason Campbell secured a solid win over Michael Loyd and Juan Benitez with a score of 11–4.
The first Mixed Doubles match went to California Black Bears. Juan Benitez and Lina Padegimaite played strong and beat Travis Rettenmaier and Paula Rives Palau 11–8.
In the second Mixed Doubles match, Michael Loyd and Layne Sleeth added another point for California Black Bears by winning over Cason Campbell and Martina Frantova 11–4.
| Match | California Black Bears | VS | Florida Smash | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Women’s Doubles | Layne Sleeth / Lina Padegimaite | vs | Martina Frantova / Paula Rives Palau | 11–8 |
| Men’s Doubles | Michael Loyd / Juan Benitez | vs | Travis Rettenmaier / Cason Campbell | 4-11 |
| Mixed Doubles 1 | Juan Benitez / Lina Padegimaite | vs | Travis Rettenmaier / Paula Rives Palau | 11–8 |
| Mixed Doubles 2 | Michael Loyd / Layne Sleeth | vs | Cason Campbell / Martina Frantova | 11–4 |
| Dreambreaker | Michael Loyd / Juan Benitez / Lina Padegimaite / Layne Sleeth | vs | Cason Campbell / Travis Rettenmaier / Martina Frantova / Paula Rives Palau | 0–0 |
A Dreambreaker round was planned but was not played. Both teams remained even in that part of the match with a 0–0 score.
Outcome and What’s Next
California Black Bears finished the day with three wins, while Florida Smash had one win. This result gives California Black Bears a great start in the tournament.
Both teams will soon return to the court. Florida Smash will need to adjust and improve to stay in the race for the top spots.
News in Brief
California Black Bears started strong at the Edward Jones MLP San Clemente, winning three matches against Florida Smash. The matches took place Thursday at Life Time Rancho San Clemente. Both teams will compete again soon, aiming to climb higher in the Challenger Level standings.
News In Brief: California Black Bears Pickleball Victory
The California Black Bears kicked off the Edward Jones MLP San Clemente with a strong showing, winning three of four matches against Florida Smash on Thursday at Life Time Rancho San Clemente. Highlights included decisive Mixed Doubles victories and a Women’s Doubles win. Florida Smash managed one Men’s Doubles victory. Both teams will return to action soon as the tournament continues.