Chicago Slice Claims First MLP Win: For the Chicago Slice, Sunday marked a significant turning point in their Major League Pickleball (MLP) season. Entering the weekend as the league’s only winless team, the Slice finally broke their losing streak with a decisive 3-1 victory over the California Black Bears at MLP Kansas City.
Slice’s Winning Formula
In a match that showcased their newfound synergy, the Slice, featuring Megan Fudge, Allison Harris, Martin Emmrich (temporarily filling in for Jack Munro), and Brendon Long, demonstrated a level of play that had eluded them earlier in the season. Their performance was a stark contrast to their previous struggles.
The day began with a tightly contested women’s doubles match. Megan Fudge and Allison Harris secured a hard-fought win against California’s Susannah Barr and Amanda Hendry, setting a positive tone for the Slice.
In men’s doubles, Martin Emmrich and Brendon Long continued the momentum, overcoming Rafa Hewett and Brandon French in a match that showcased their resilience and teamwork.
Sealing the Victory
With a 2-0 lead, Fudge and Emmrich approached the first mixed doubles match with confidence. Their dominant performance against Hewett and Barr, finishing with a commanding 25-16 victory, clinched the match and ensured the Slice’s first win of the season.
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Grandstand Results – Sunday 11:30 AM CT
California Black Bears 1, Chicago Slice 3
Women’s Doubles
- Megan Fudge and Allison Harris defeated Amanda Hendry and Susannah Barr, 26-24.
Men’s Doubles
- Martin Emmrich and Brendon Long defeated Brandon French and Rafa Hewett, 28-26.
Mixed Doubles
- Megan Fudge and Martin Emmrich defeated Rafa Hewett and Susannah Barr, 25-16.
Mixed Doubles
- Brandon French and Amanda Hendry defeated Brendon Long and Allison Harris, 29-27.
Upcoming Matches
With the win under their belts, the Chicago Slice will face the SoCal Hard Eights later in the day. Meanwhile, the California Black Bears will look to rebound against SoCal on Monday, aiming to regroup and adjust their strategy.
The Chicago Slice’s victory over the California Black Bears has injected new life into their season. As they continue to find their rhythm, the Slice’s performance in Kansas City could be a catalyst for a successful turnaround. With more matches on the horizon, both Chicago and California will be eager to build on their recent performances and advance in the MLP standings.
News in Brief: Chicago Slice Claims First MLP Win
Sunday marked a pivotal moment for the Chicago Slice in their MLP season as they secured their first victory with a decisive 3-1 win over the California Black Bears. The Slice, previously winless, showed renewed synergy with standout performances from Megan Fudge, Allison Harris, Martin Emmrich, and Brendon Long. Fudge and Harris kicked off with a tight women’s doubles win, followed by Emmrich and Long’s success in men’s doubles. Fudge and Emmrich then clinched the match with a dominant mixed doubles victory. The Slice will next face the SoCal Hard Eights, while the Black Bears aim to regroup against SoCal. Chicago’s win could signal a turnaround for their season.
