New Jersey 5s’ Dominant 2024 MLP Run: The New Jersey 5s entered the 2024 MLP Orlando Playoffs as one of the favorites, with high hopes of securing the championship title. Though they ultimately fell short in the final, the team displayed remarkable resilience and strength throughout the playoffs, making a strong case for their championship history.
Semifinal 1: New Jersey 5s Defeat Texas Ranchers
The first semifinal matchup saw the New Jersey 5s face off against the Texas Ranchers. In an exciting display of skill and determination, the 5s clinched a 3-0 victory.
- Women’s Doubles: Etta Wright and Tina Pisnik of New Jersey narrowly edged out Anna Leigh Waters and Mariana Humberg, 27-25.
- Men’s Doubles: Christian Alshon and Quang Duong continued the momentum for the 5s, defeating Will Howells and Zane Navratil of the Ranchers, 25-19.
- Mixed Doubles: Christian Alshon and Etta Wright completed the sweep for New Jersey with a 25-20 win over Zane Navratil and Mariana Humberg.
Semifinal 2: New Jersey 5s Dominate Texas Ranchers
In their second semifinal, the New Jersey 5s were once again dominant, sweeping the Texas Ranchers 3-0 to secure their spot in the final.
- Women’s Doubles: Anna Leigh Waters and Mariana Humberg were solid, defeating Tina Pisnik and Etta Wright 25-15.
- Men’s Doubles: Will Howells and Zane Navratil held off Christian Alshon and Quang Duong in a tight 25-23 match.
- Mixed Doubles: Anna Leigh Waters and Will Howells beat Tina Pisnik and Quang Duong 25-20, while Mariana Humberg and Zane Navratil were awarded a walkover after the Ranchers’ team did not show up for the final mixed doubles match.
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Finals: Dallas Flash Secure MLP Championship
The New Jersey 5s entered the final as the top seed, but the Dallas Flash proved to be too much. Despite winning the first match, the 5s dropped the last two to hand the Flash the title.
Match 1: Dallas Flash 3, New Jersey 5s 2
- Women’s Doubles: Anna Leigh Waters and Mariana Humberg fought hard but fell to Jorja Johnson and Hurricane Tyra Black of Dallas 27-25.
- Men’s Doubles: Augustus Ge and JW Johnson won 25-20 over Zane Navratil and Will Howells to put Dallas up 1-0.
- Mixed Doubles: The Johnson duo – Jorja Johnson and JW Johnson – took the first mixed doubles match 28-26 over Navratil and Humberg, giving Dallas a 2-1 advantage.
- Mixed Doubles (2): Waters and Howells turned the tide with a dominant 25-17 win over Ge and Black to force a DreamBreaker.
- DreamBreaker: The 5s’ DreamBreaker streak came to an end with a surprising 21-13 loss, as Dallas claimed the match and the lead in the final.
Match 2: Dallas Flash 3, New Jersey 5s 2
- Women’s Doubles: Waters and Humberg won the first set 25-22, but Dallas responded with a 25-19 win from Ge and JW Johnson in Men’s Doubles.
- Mixed Doubles (1): Jorja Johnson and JW Johnson defeated Zane Navratil and Mariana Humberg 25-17 to give Dallas a 2-1 lead.
- Mixed Doubles (2): Waters and Howells extended their lead with a 25-23 win over Ge and Hurricane Tyra Black.
- DreamBreaker: In the deciding tiebreaker, Dallas again won 21-15, securing another 3-2 victory in the second match.
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Match 3: Dallas Flash 3, New Jersey 5s 1
- Men’s Doubles: In the opening match, New Jersey’s Will Howells and Zane Navratil defeated Augustus Ge and JW Johnson 25-23 to get their team on the board.
- Women’s Doubles: Hurricane Tyra Black and Jorja Johnson evened the score with a 25-17 victory over Anna Leigh Waters and Mariana Humberg.
- Mixed Doubles (1): The Johnson duo of Jorja and JW extended their unbeaten streak with a 28-26 win over Navratil and Humberg.
- Mixed Doubles (2): Hurricane Tyra Black and Augustus Ge sealed the championship for Dallas with a 25-21 victory over Waters and Howells.
News in Brief: New Jersey 5s’ Dominant 2024 MLP Run
The New Jersey 5s had an impressive run in the 2024 MLP Orlando Playoffs, winning both their semifinals in commanding fashion.
However, despite taking an early lead in the championship series, the 5s ultimately fell to the Dallas Flash in a thrilling final, losing 3-2 in all three matches. The 5s showed their strength throughout the playoffs but were unable to secure their first MLP title, with the DreamBreaker proving to be their downfall.