Night Owls Soar in MLP Challenger Race: As we take a moment to evaluate the Major League Pickleball Premier Level Power Rankings midway through the season, it’s equally important to turn our attention to the Challenger Level. Among these teams, the Las Vegas Night Owls have captured considerable interest with their recent moves and performances.
Season Overview
The Night Owls present an intriguing case. Despite finishing second at the Mid-Season Tournament and holding the top spot in the regular season standings, the team made headlines by parting ways with their GM, Kaitlyn Kerr, after she demanded equal pay. Kerr was instrumental in the team’s success, bringing energy, scouting expertise, and valuable coaching.
Now, with two new male players—Hewett and Hovenier—the Night Owls face the challenge of adjusting to new dynamics. Hewett, in particular, has struggled this season at the Challenger Level. The question now is whether he can reverse his fortunes and contribute positively to the team’s success.
Original Roster and Transactions
The original roster for the Las Vegas Night Owls consisted of Zoey Wang, Judit Castillo, Mohaned Alhouni, and Anderson Scarpa. Wang, ranked 8th, was a key player alongside Castillo, who held the 13th spot. Alhouni, ranked 28th, and Scarpa, positioned at 33rd, completed the initial lineup.
Recent Transactions
- Trade: Before Waiver Period 2, the Night Owls traded Mo Alhouni and cash to the Black Bears in exchange for Rafa Hewett.
- Trade: In another pre-waiver trade, Anderson Scarpa was dealt to the LA Mad Drops (Premier Level) for Blaine Hovenier.
Current Team: Zoey Wang, Judit Castillo, Rafa Hewett, Blaine Hovenier
Recent Match Performance
The Night Owls have had a mixed performance in their last five matches. They started strong with victories against ATL (3-2), CHI (3-2), and the Black Bears (3-1). However, they faced setbacks with losses to the Breakers (1-3) and SoCal (1-3).
- W (3-2) vs. ATL
- W (3-2) vs. CHI
- W (3-1) vs. Black Bears
- L (1-3) vs. Breakers
- L (1-3) vs. SoCal
Playoff Chances
The Night Owls have a strong chance of making the playoffs, with an 85 percent likelihood. To secure their spot, they need to average 1.5 points per match. The recent trades for Hewett and Hovenier are seen as immediate upgrades, and with one of the best women’s teams in the league, the Night Owls are assured to improve further as the season progresses.
| Category | Stats/Position |
| Matches Played/Remaining | 8/15 |
| Points | 14 |
| Overall Match Win % | 58.33% |
| Women’s Doubles Win % | 63% (1st) |
| Points Per Match | 1.75 |
| Current Position in Table | 3rd |
| Men’s Doubles Win % | 50% (4th) |
| Mixed Doubles Win % | 44% (7th) |
| Max Points Possible | 59 (T-3rd) |
| Dreambreaker Win % | 100% (4-0) (1st) |
News in Brief: Night Owls Soar in MLP Challenger Race
The Las Vegas Night Owls currently ranked third in the Challenger Level of Major League Pickleball, are making waves with recent roster changes and performances. Despite a strong start, finishing second at the Mid-Season Tournament, the team parted ways with their GM, Kaitlyn Kerr, after she pushed for equal pay.
This move shook the team, but the addition of Rafa Hewett and Blaine Hovenier has sparked new interest. With an 85% chance of making the playoffs, the Night Owls need to average 1.5 points per match. They boast a top-performing women’s doubles team and hold a perfect Dreambreaker win percentage. As the season progresses, the Night Owls are assured for a potential surge.
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