Las Vegas Night Owls Add Hovenier and Hewett: The Las Vegas Night Owls have undergone a significant roster shake-up as they prepare for the next Major League Pickleball (MLP) event. In a series of trades, the team has brought in new talent with the aim of improving their standing in the competitive Challenger level.
A New Men’s Doubles Duo
In a notable move, the Night Owls traded Anderson Scarpa to the Los Angeles Mad Drops, along with an undisclosed amount of cash, in exchange for Blaine Hovenier. Hovenier, who had been stepping in for Thomas Wilson at the last three MLP events, has been a crucial player for the Mad Drops. He formed a strong men’s doubles partnership with Hunter Johnson and also competed in mixed doubles alongside Catherine Parenteau.
This trade signals a strategic shift for the Night Owls, who are looking to strengthen their men’s doubles team. Hovenier’s experience and recent performances made him a valuable addition to the roster. His chemistry with Johnson and Parenteau had been evident, and the Night Owls are hopeful that he will bring the same level of intensity and skill to their lineup.
The Mad Drops, in an unexpected move, waived Scarpa shortly after the trade. This decision hints that Wilson, who had been sidelined, is likely ready to return to action when the Mad Drops take the court at MLP Las Vegas in mid-October. The timing of this move suggests that the Mad Drops are confident in their current roster and Wilson’s readiness to compete again.
View this post on Instagram
Rafa Hewett Joins the Night Owls
The roster changes didn’t stop there. The Night Owls also traded Mohaned Alhouni, along with cash considerations, to the California Black Bears in exchange for Rafa Hewett. Hewett, known for his aggressive play and versatility on the court, is expected to be a key player for the Night Owls moving forward.
Hewett’s addition to the team, alongside Hovenier, represents a clear attempt by the Night Owls to strengthen their chances at the Challenger level. Both players bring a wealth of experience and a competitive edge that could prove vital as the season progresses.
Looking Ahead: The New Lineup
With these trades, the Las Vegas Night Owls have assembled a fresh lineup that includes Hovenier and Hewett, who will team up with Judit Castillo and Zoey Wang. This new combination of talent is set to take the court to climb the standings. The Night Owls currently sit in fifth place at the Challenger level, and the team’s management is making moves to ensure a strong finish to the season.
As the Night Owls prepare for the next MLP event, the spotlight will be on how well these new additions integrate into the team. With Hovenier and Hewett now in the fold, the Night Owls are assured to make a significant impact in the upcoming competitions. The success of these trades will ultimately be measured by their performance on the court, but for now, Las Vegas fans have reason to be optimistic about the team’s future.
View this post on Instagram
News in Brief: Las Vegas Night Owls Add Hovenier and Hewett
The Las Vegas Night Owls have made significant roster changes ahead of the next Major League Pickleball event, aiming to enhance their performance at the Challenger level. They traded Anderson Scarpa to the Los Angeles Mad Drops for Blaine Hovenier, a skilled player who has shown strong performances in men’s and mixed doubles.
Additionally, the Night Owls acquired Rafa Hewett from the California Black Bears in exchange for Mohaned Alhouni. With Hovenier and Hewett joining Judit Castillo and Zoey Wang, the Night Owls have revamped their lineup. These strategic moves reflect the team’s ambition to climb the standings, with fans eagerly anticipating how these additions will perform on the court.
ALSO READ: 1st Alaska State Pickleball Championship Scheduled from July 11