New Jersey 5s Stuns Texas Ranchers: The New Jersey 5s made a statement in the opening match of the 2024 MLP Orlando Playoffs, delivering a commanding 3-0 victory over the Texas Ranchers. The sweep, a surprising outcome, was especially notable considering the teams’ last meeting, a DreamBreaker, had seen a more evenly matched contest when both teams were at full strength.
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Women’s Doubles Sets the Tone
New Jersey opened the match with women’s doubles, where Anna Leigh Waters and Mari Humberg faced off against Texas’ Etta Wright and Tina Pisnik.
It was a thrilling contest. The 5s built a 24-17 lead, only for the Ranchers to storm back and tie it at 24. Waters and Humberg fought off the pressure, securing a tense 27-25 victory that gave New Jersey an early advantage.
Momentum Shifts in Men’s Doubles
That hard-fought win sparked the 5s, as Zane Navratil and Will Howells took to the court for men’s doubles. They handled the Ranchers’ Christian Alshon and Quang Duong with relative ease, claiming a straight-set win. With a 2-0 lead and momentum firmly on their side, the 5s turned their attention to closing out the match.
Humberg/Navratil Secure Sweep
In the final match, Humberg and Navratil faced off against Wright and Alshon in mixed doubles. The pair finished off the Ranchers in style, securing a hard-earned victory to complete the sweep and put New Jersey on the brink of a Premier level final berth.
Looking Ahead
While the 5s’ 3-0 victory put them one match away from the final, Humberg was quick to emphasize that the job is far from done.
“They’re a very strong team. Everyone that’s here deserves to be here, so we have to focus and know that we’re not done yet.” – (Humberg)
News in Brief: New Jersey 5s Stuns Texas Ranchers
The New Jersey 5s dominated the opening match of the 2024 MLP Orlando Playoffs, sweeping the Texas Ranchers 3-0. The victory began with a dramatic women’s doubles win for Anna Leigh Waters and Mari Humberg, followed by strong performances in men’s doubles from Zane Navratil and Will Howells.
Humberg and Navratil clinched the sweep in mixed doubles, putting New Jersey one win away from the Premier level final. However, Humberg remains focused on the task at hand, acknowledging the Ranchers’ strength.
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