Rachel Rohrabacher and Anna Bright’s Never Give-Up Attitude: The No. 2 seeds, Rachel Rohrabacher and Anna Bright fought their way into the Championship Sunday at the prestigious Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships after an intense and thrilling semifinal match. The duo faced off against Hurricane Tyra Black and Allyce Jones in a dramatic three-set showdown that ended with a 6-11, 11-9, 11-7 victory. The match was a perfect example of high-level women’s doubles pickleball, and it set the stage for an exciting final.
View this post on Instagram
Rachel Rohrabacher and Anna Bright Overcome Lobs and Scrappy Play
The opening game saw Allyce Jones and Hurricane Tyra Black dominating with their relentless lobs, which posed a significant challenge for Rachel Rohrabacher and Anna Bright, known for their aggressive play on the line. Anna Bright acknowledged how tough it was to handle the constant pressure from their opponents, admitting,
“We definitely had to earn it. They played really well. They’re both so scrappy and it was really tough when they’re getting so many balls like that, it just gets in your head.” – (Anna Bright)
However, the pair remained focused and adjusted their strategy as the match progressed. Anna Bright further discussed the challenge of facing such a well-executed lob game from Allyce Jones and Hurricane Tyra Black, saying,
“Their lobs are so good and it’s really tricky because our game is to stay on the line and be aggressive but sometimes you have a step back. So it’s kind of tricky and Jones has gotten really great at them but I think we got better at reading it and shutting it down.” – (Anna Bright)
Rachel Rohrabacher Finds Her Groove in Game Two
In the second game, Rachel Rohrabacher’s energy began to shift. She admitted to feeling fatigued early on but noted a significant change in her performance once she found her rhythm.
“To be honest I came into the match really tired and it took a while to get me going. But once I got going, I think Anna felt that and she felt more confident in me which makes her more confident in herself.” – (Rachel Rohrabacher)
She credited her shift in play to a change in positioning, as she switched to playing on the left side of the court. “Additionally, I started playing the left which I think added a different element to Allyce and Tyra,” she explained, which proved to be a key adjustment in their comeback. This new dynamic ultimately shifted the momentum in favor of Rachel Rohrabacher and Anna Bright, allowing them to take control of the match and clinch the win.
Championship Sunday Awaits
With their hard-fought victory, Rachel Rohrabacher and Anna Bright now look ahead to facing Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau in the final. Their semifinal match against Allyce Jones and Hurricane Tyra Black was an intense test of skill and perseverance, and they will need to carry that momentum into the final if they hope to capture the championship.
News in Brief: Rachel Rohrabacher and Anna Bright’s Never Give-Up Attitude
Rachel Rohrabacher and Anna Bright’s journey to Championship Sunday has been nothing short of thrilling. Their ability to overcome challenges and make key adjustments mid-match speaks to their determination and skill as professional pickleball players.
As they head into the final, they will face fierce competition from Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau, but one thing is certain: the championship match will be a must-watch showdown.