Columbus Sliders Secure First Win in Utah: The Columbus Sliders notched their first victory in Utah early Saturday afternoon, overcoming the AZ Drive in a hard-fought contest. The win marks a significant milestone for a team strengthened by recent acquisitions and determined to make an impact.
New Faces, New Fortunes
Columbus introduced two new players to their roster this week: Andrea Koop and Jay Devilliers acquired through trades with the Carolina Pickleball Club and Utah Black Diamonds. They joined seasoned competitors, Riley Newman and Meghan Dizon, forming a formidable quartet.
The match began with a split in the gender doubles games. Columbus secured the men’s doubles, while Arizona won in the women’s doubles, setting the stage for a decisive mixed doubles showdown.
Mixed Doubles Dominance
In the mixed doubles, the Sliders displayed their skills. Both matches were intensely competitive, with each team battling through a series of exchanges. Ultimately, the pairs of Dizon and Devilliers, and Koop and Newman, managed to pull away in the final stages, securing the regulation victory for Columbus.
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Devilliers, who played a pivotal role with two wins, reflected on his experience with his new teammates.
“Thursday was my first time playing with Riley, and I feel like we’ve figured things out through some tough matches so far. We’re very happy with the way we pulled this one out. The job’s not done, so we’ve got to keep pushing.” – (Devilliers)
Columbus Sliders Path Ahead
With this win, Columbus looks to build momentum as they prepare to face the Los Angeles Mad Drops later on Saturday. Meanwhile, the AZ Drive will regroup and prepare for their upcoming match against the Texas Ranchers on Saturday evening.
The addition of Koop and Devilliers appears to have infused the Sliders with renewed energy and potential, making them a team to watch as the competition unfolds.
News in Brief: Columbus Sliders Secure First Win in Utah
The Columbus Sliders secured their first win in Utah, defeating the AZ Drive on Saturday. New acquisitions Andrea Koop and Jay Devilliers joined Riley Newman and Meghan Dizon, forming a strong team.
After splitting the gender doubles games, Columbus dominated the mixed doubles, with Dizon and Devilliers, and Koop and Newman, clinching victory. The Sliders aim to build on this momentum in their next match against the Los Angeles Mad Drops.
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