Dallas Flash Take Down St. Louis Shock: The 2024 MLP Orlando Playoffs kicked off in spectacular fashion, with the Chicago Slice, New Jersey 5s, and Miami Pickleball Club each securing clean sweeps over their respective opponents. But the day concluded with another dominant performance, as the Dallas Flash took care of business against the St. Louis Shock on Championship Court at the USTA National Campus.
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Tyra Black and Jorja Johnson Start Strong for Dallas Flash
The Dallas Flash’s Tyra Black and Jorja Johnson made sure Dallas got off on the right foot, delivering a 25-21 victory over Anna Bright and Kate Fahey of the St. Louis Shock. The win not only helped Dallas get on the scoreboard but also snapped a two-match losing streak against the Shock’s duo, a much-needed confidence boost for the Flash.
JW Johnson and Augie Ge Seal the Deal in Men’s Doubles for Dallas Flash
In men’s doubles, JW Johnson and Augie Ge stepped up in a hard-fought contest, narrowly edging out Hayden Patriquin and Gabe Tardio of the St. Louis Shock 25-23. The victory, sealed with a late surge, extended Dallas Flash’s lead and put the St. Louis Shock on the ropes.
Jorja Johnson and JW Johnson Deliver in Mixed Doubles for Dallas Flash
With the Dallas Flash already leading 2-0, it was up to Jorja Johnson and JW Johnson, Dallas’ standout mixed doubles pairing, to finish the job. Their 27-25 win over Anna Bright and Hayden Patriquin of the St. Louis Shock was anything but easy.
The pair nearly lost a 17-11 advantage, but they regrouped and held on to take the match and, with it, the series. It was a gutsy decision by Dallas Flash to send out the Johnson siblings first; a loss could have led to the pressure of a DreamBreaker. Instead, Jorja Johnson thrived under the spotlight.
“I think we’re kind of the anchor for our team in mixed doubles, and so we were just happy to go out and execute the way that we know we can.” – (Jorja Johnson)
Looking Ahead to Saturday’s Showdowns
Dallas Flash, along with New Jersey 5s, will look to carry their momentum into Saturday’s action, aiming for another dominant performance to advance to the Premier level finals. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Shock and the Texas Ranchers will fight to stay in the hunt for a championship, knowing the stakes couldn’t be higher.
News in Brief: Dallas Flash Take Down St. Louis Shock
The Dallas Flash capped a day of lopsided victories at the 2024 MLP Orlando Playoffs, sweeping the St. Louis Shock. Tyra Black and Jorja Johnson started the Flash off with a win, followed by JW Johnson and Augie Ge in men’s doubles.
Jorja Johnson and JW Johnson then sealed the deal with a 27-25 victory in mixed doubles, keeping Dallas Flash firmly in the hunt for the Premier level finals. The St. Louis Shock now face a crucial match to stay alive in the tournament.
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