SoCal Hard Eights Face Miami Pickleball Club: The Major League Pickleball (MLP) season is nearing its conclusion, and the stakes are high as the semi-finals approach. This second Challenger Level matchup promises to be an exciting one as the #3 Miami Pickleball Club faces off against the #2 SoCal Hard Eights in Orlando, starting on Friday, November 22nd. Both teams have had their ups and downs leading up to this moment, and they are now poised for a clash that will determine who advances to the finals.
A Chance to Shine in the Premier Level for 2025
Like the other Challenger Level semi-final matchup, the Miami Pickleball Club and SoCal Hard Eights are competing not only for the title but for a coveted spot in the Premier Level for the 2025 season. With both teams having shown flashes of brilliance, this match could go either way.
Challenger Level Matchup 2: #3 Miami Pickleball Club vs. #2 SoCal Hard Eights
Miami Pickleball Club Roster:
- Milan Rane
- Eric Oncins
- Noe Khlif
- Bobbi Oshiro
SoCal Hard Eights Roster
- Irina Tereschenko
- Erik Lange
- Max Manthou
- Yana Newell
Regular Season Recap
Just like the first semi-final matchup, this one was split during the regular season. Miami beat SoCal in a Dreambreaker in the opening event of the season, MLP Atlanta, where only four of the eight current players were on the rosters. In a more recent and full-strength matchup at MLP Virginia Beach, the SoCal Hard Eights proved their dominance with a 3-1 victory, winning both gender doubles and securing a mixed doubles win with Erik Lange and Yana Newell leading the way.
Women’s Doubles
SoCal’s women, Irina Tereschenko and Yana Newell, are the clear favorites in this category. With both players possessing consistent, steady play, they offer a strong pairing that has proven itself time and time again. Miami’s Bobbi Oshiro and Milly Rane have high ceilings but have been inconsistent this season. While they may be able to steal a game off SoCal, the Hard Eights’ women should have the edge.
Men’s Doubles
The men’s doubles matchup presents an interesting contrast. While Miami’s Eric Oncins and Noe Khlif can certainly challenge SoCal’s Erik Lange and Max Manthou, the SoCal men are simply more consistent. Lange and Manthou possess superior hands, and their overall play has been steadier throughout the season. While Miami could win a game or even two, SoCal is likely to come out on top if these two teams faced off repeatedly.
Mixed Doubles
Both teams have strong mixed doubles pairings, and this match could very well go either way. Miami’s Milan Rane, who has vastly improved in mixed doubles, has become a key player for his team. However, SoCal’s Yana Newell and Erik Lange are formidable opponents who will likely take on Miami’s Milan and Eric Oncins. Given how unpredictable this match could be, this category remains a coin flip.
Dreambreaker
Miami has been dominant in Dreambreakers, posting a 7-1 record during the regular season, while SoCal has a more modest 4-3 Dreambreaker performance. Dreambreakers are unpredictable, and a solid singles player doesn’t always translate to Dreambreaker success. For SoCal to have a chance, much of the pressure will fall on Yana Newell and Erik Lange to carry the team. Miami’s strong performance in Dreambreakers, however, could give them the upper hand in a deciding match.
News in Brief: SoCal Hard Eights Face Miami Pickleball Club
The second semi-final of Major League Pickleball features the #3 Miami Pickleball Club against the #2 SoCal Hard Eights. Miami has been inconsistent recently, while SoCal comes off a dominant win over Miami in MLP Virginia Beach. SoCal’s steady play in women’s and men’s doubles gives them the advantage, but Miami’s strength in Dreambreakers could play a role. SoCal is expected to win 3-1, with Miami claiming the first match in a Dreambreaker.
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