Chicago Slice Cruises Past Atlanta Bouncers: In an unexpected turn of events at 2024 MLP Orlando Playoff, Friday’s first Challenger-level semifinal between the Chicago Slice and Atlanta Bouncers was marked by roster changes. Both teams were forced to use alternates due to the absence of their regular players. The Chicago Slice called on Wyatt Stone and Michelle Esquivel to fill in for Brendon Long and Allison Harris, while the Atlanta Bouncers brought in Anderson Scarpa to replace Jaume Martinez Vich.
Despite the uncertainty, the Chicago Slice proved to be the dominant team after just over an hour of play, sweeping the match 3-0 in the first of a best-of-three series.
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Setting the Tone Early
Esquivel and Megan Fudge wasted no time, setting the tone for the match with a 25-16 win over Atlanta’s Susannah Barr and Emily Cederquist in women’s doubles. Their dominant performance set up the next showdown between the men’s teams.
A Thrilling Men’s Doubles Battle
In the men’s doubles contest, Stone and Jack Munro faced off against Scarpa and Todd Fought. The Bouncers initially took control, jumping to a 9-2 lead. However, Stone and Munro displayed remarkable resilience, battling back to secure a 27-25 victory, giving the Slice a commanding 2-0 advantage.
Closing Out the Sweep
Momentum stayed firmly with the Slice as Esquivel and Stone took to the court for the mixed doubles match. They continued their dominant run, finishing the sweep with a 25-20 win over Cederquist and Fought.
The victory puts the Slice one win away from advancing to the finals, while the Bouncers face elimination, needing a win in Match 2 to stay alive. Attention now turns to the next contest, scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Saturday.
News in Brief: Chicago Slice Cruises Past Atlanta Bouncers
The Chicago Slice swept the Atlanta Bouncers 3-0 in the first semifinal of the Challenger series at 2024 MLP Orlando Playoff. Michelle Esquivel and Megan Fudge led the way with a dominant women’s doubles win, and Stone and Jack Munro completed a thrilling comeback in men’s doubles.
Esquivel and Stone then sealed the sweep in mixed doubles. The Slice now need one more win to advance to the finals, while the Bouncers face elimination in Match 2 on Saturday.
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