St. Louis Shock Claims First Super Sunday Belt with Dominant Win

In a historic match, the St. Louis Shock claimed their first Super Sunday Belt by defeating the Los Angeles Mad Drops 3-0. The team showcased exceptional skill and teamwork, particularly in women's and men's doubles, setting the stage for a decisive mixed doubles victory. Anna Bright and Kate Fahey led the charge, crediting a unique pre-match ritual for their success. This win not only marked a significant achievement for the Shock but also highlighted their steady progress throughout the season, culminating in a championship moment for their home fans.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 8, 2026, 17:56 IST

Historic Victory for St. Louis Shock

The St. Louis Shock made history by clinching their inaugural Super Sunday Belt after a decisive 3-0 victory against the Los Angeles Mad Drops at MLP St. Louis on Sunday. In front of an enthusiastic home crowd, the Shock delivered one of their finest performances of the season, overcoming a team that had previously thwarted them at the season's opening event in Dallas.

Anna Bright and Kate Fahey set the pace right from the start, achieving an impressive 11-1 win over Catherine Parenteau and Jade Kawamoto in the women's doubles. This victory capped off a remarkable week for the duo, who allowed only 10 points across five matches together.

After the match, Bright attributed their success to a unique pre-match ritual. "Kate and I have definitely had a bit of a chip on our shoulder. We've been playing some of our best pickleball. I have to shout out Elsie. She came up with a new pre-match ritual for us. I can't share too much, but I think that has really, really gotten us going and helped Kate and I come out here really, really fired up," Bright remarked. "It felt really good to kind of get that momentum going for the team."

This momentum continued into the men's doubles, where Hayden Patriquin and Gabe Tardio triumphed over Ben Johns and Max Freeman with an 11-3 score, solidifying the Shock's lead.

Despite winning both gender doubles matches, the Shock were aware that their task was not yet complete. The Mad Drops had previously come back from a similar situation in Dallas, winning both mixed doubles matches before clinching victory in a DreamBreaker. This memory loomed large as they approached the mixed doubles.

However, the Shock ensured there would be no repeat of that scenario. Bright and Patriquin sealed the match with an 11-5 victory against Jade Kawamoto and Ben Johns, completing the sweep and avenging their earlier loss to the same pair in Dallas.

Reflecting on their turnaround, Bright noted that preparation was key. "We had never seen Ben play like he did in Dallas. He played out of his mind, so we went back together, rewatched the match, and had a better game plan today. I think we executed it perfectly, but we couldn't have done it without the fans."

According to Pickleball.com, this victory marked the culmination of a challenging start to the season for St. Louis. The Shock were the only team in the league to participate in all three of the initial regular-season events. Their campaign kicked off with a third-place finish in Dallas, followed by a second-place finish in Columbus.

This consistent improvement ultimately led to a championship performance on their home turf. Bright also acknowledged the vital role of the crowd, stating, "I think we executed it perfectly, but we couldn't have done it without the fans." This win not only secured the Super Sunday Belt but also served as a powerful statement from a team that has consistently been a top contender throughout the early weeks of the season. After finishing third in Dallas and second in Columbus, the Shock finally reached the pinnacle in St. Louis, delivering a commanding performance when it mattered most and providing their home supporters with a moment to celebrate.