Texas Ranchers Rally for a Comeback as they notched their second victory of the day over the DC Pickleball Team, securing their place in the semifinals of the Major League Pickleball (MLP) Dallas Playoffs.
A Rocky Start Turns into a Strong Finish
The Texas Ranchers, comprising players Christian Alshon, Etta Wright, Tina Pisnik, and Quang Duong, faced a challenging beginning on Saturday, dropping their opening match. However, their determination shone through as they rallied for two decisive victories on Sunday, turning the tide in their favor and stealing the series.
“We’re strongest when everything goes wrong,” said Tina Pisnik, reflecting on the team’s tenacity. “It was a tough day yesterday. We had game points in two matches and ended up losing 1-3. We made little adjustments, came back stronger, and just fought through adversity.”
Key Adjustments and Crucial Victories
Those adjustments proved vital for Tina Pisnik in the mixed doubles match. She and Quang Duong faced off against DC Pickleball Team’s Dekel Bar and Vivian Glozman, managing to secure their first victory in four attempts, which gave the Texas Ranchers a 2-1 advantage.
Building on this momentum, the duo of Christian Alshon and Etta Wright continued to dominate, clinching their second consecutive victory against DC Pickleball Team’s James Ignatowich and Rachel Rohrabacher. This decisive win ensured the Texas Ranchers’ triumph and their advancement into the next round.
Celebrating the Team’s Work Ethic
Ryan Dawidjan, the Texas Ranchers’ general manager and coach, praised his team’s relentless work ethic, which has been instrumental in their success. “I think we’ve got four of the hardest-working players on the tour, and they put in reps every week to get better,” he said. “We can’t wait to make a few more adjustments and see who wants to play us in Orlando.”
Looking ahead, the Texas Ranchers are set to face either the New Jersey 5s or St. Louis Shock in the MLP Orlando Playoffs, scheduled to take place from November 22-24. The anticipation is building as they prepare for this next challenge.
News in Brief : Texas Ranchers Rally for a Comeback
The Texas Ranchers bounced back from a rocky start to defeat the DC Pickleball Team, advancing to the semifinals of the Major League Pickleball Dallas Playoffs. After losing their opening match, the Texas Ranchers secured two victories on Sunday, highlighted by Tina Pisnik and Quang Duong’s crucial win in mixed doubles. Coach Ryan Dawidjan emphasized the team’s dedication and hard work, preparing them for their next match against either the New Jersey 5s or St. Louis Shock in Orlando from November 22-24.
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