Columbus Sliders Sweep Brooklyn in MLP: The Columbus Sliders came out swinging and never let up, posting a commanding 3–0 victory over the Brooklyn Pickleball Team in Major League Pickleball action on July 11. From the opening serve to the final point, Columbus looked sharp, confident, and in total control, securing all three wins in regulation and making the Dreambreaker unnecessary.
It was a clinical team effort from top to bottom, with standout performances from Parris Todd, Andrei Daescu, Lea Jansen, and CJ Klinger, as the Sliders overwhelmed Brooklyn in a match that was never really in doubt.
Women’s Doubles: A Gritty Opening Win
The day began with a tight women’s doubles showdown between Parris Todd and Lea Jansen of Columbus and Rachel Rohrabacher and Jackie Kawamoto of Brooklyn. Both sides traded points in a high-paced battle marked by long rallies and sharp angles.
In the end, it was the Columbus duo that edged it out, 12–10, showing poise in the closing stages. Todd’s quick hands at the net and Jansen’s deep baseline play helped tilt the match in Columbus’ favor as they grabbed the opening point for their squad.
Men’s Doubles: Columbus Grinds Out Another Close One
The energy didn’t dip in the men’s doubles match, as Andrei Daescu and CJ Klinger took on a dangerous Brooklyn duo in Riley Newman and AJ Koller.
This was arguably the most physical match of the day, with all four players engaging in lightning-quick hands battles and fast-paced third-shot drives. Daescu’s reach and presence at the net paired beautifully with Klinger’s controlled aggression.
After several lead changes and clutch moments, it was Columbus that pulled off a narrow 14–12 win—giving them a 2–0 team lead and placing Brooklyn in a must-win situation going into mixed play.
Mixed Doubles 1: Total Domination Seals the Win
Needing just one more win to clinch the match, Parris Todd and Andrei Daescu didn’t waste any time in Mixed Doubles 1. The pair absolutely steamrolled Brooklyn’s Rachel Rohrabacher and AJ Koller, winning 11–1 in one of the most lopsided mixed matches of the season.
Todd dictated tempo from the left side, consistently keeping Brooklyn off balance with her deceptive shot selection. Daescu, meanwhile, was nearly unplayable at the net, covering angles and punishing pop-ups with authority.
That win gave Columbus a 3–0 overall match lead and secured the team victory—making the final mixed doubles match and Dreambreaker unnecessary.
A Match That Didn’t Need a Finish
Though Mixed Doubles 2 and the Dreambreaker were listed, they were not played. MLP rules allow matches to conclude once a team wins three out of four regulation games, and with Columbus sweeping the first three, the match was officially over.
Still, the lopsided nature of the result sends a strong message to the rest of the league—the Sliders are not just contenders, they’re serious title threats.
| Event | Columbus Sliders | Score | Brooklyn Pickleball Team | Score |
| Women’s Doubles | Parris Todd / Lea Jansen | 12 | Rachel Rohrabacher / Jackie Kawamoto | 10 |
| Men’s Doubles | Andrei Daescu / CJ Klinger | 14 | Riley Newman / AJ Koller | 12 |
| Mixed Doubles 1 | Parris Todd / Andrei Daescu | 11 | Rachel Rohrabacher / AJ Koller | 1 |
| Mixed Doubles 2 | Lea Jansen / CJ Klinger | 0 | Jackie Kawamoto / Riley Newman | 0 |
| Dreambreaker | Daescu / Klinger / Todd / Jansen | 0 | Koller / Newman / Rohrabacher / Kawamoto | 0 |
Key Players
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Parris Todd: Undefeated on the day, she shined in both women’s and mixed doubles with her trademark precision and smart court coverage.
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Andrei Daescu: A dominant force at the net in both men’s and mixed doubles, his aggressive style was critical to Columbus’ momentum.
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CJ Klinger: Solid in high-pressure moments, especially in the tight 14–12 men’s doubles win.
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Lea Jansen: Delivered under pressure in the opening women’s doubles match, helping establish the team’s tone early.
News in Brief: Columbus Sliders Sweep Brooklyn in MLP
The Columbus Sliders proved once again that depth, experience, and chemistry matter most in Major League Pickleball. With this win, they continue climbing the standings and building confidence ahead of the playoff push.
For the Brooklyn Pickleball Team, it’s a frustrating outing. Despite strong talent on paper—including Riley Newman and Jackie Kawamoto—they couldn’t match the intensity or cohesion Columbus brought to the court.
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