St. Louis Shock Continues Dominance with Championship Victory
St. Louis Shock's Championship Triumph
The St. Louis Shock are not just winning; they are showcasing their dominance. In a decisive championship match on Sunday, the Shock overwhelmed the Los Angeles Mad Drops with a score of 3-0 at the MLP St. Petersburg, securing their second consecutive Super Sunday Belt and extending their impressive winning streak to 11 matches. This encounter marked the third meeting between these two formidable teams this Major League Pickleball (MLP) season, and the rivalry has proven to be intense. Previously, the Mad Drops had triumphed in the first game with a thrilling comeback that concluded in a DreamBreaker. However, the Shock retaliated strongly on their home turf in St. Louis, achieving a clean sweep. With this victory, St. Louis now leads the season series 2-1.
Match Highlights
As anticipated, the Shock commenced the match with vigor, winning both the women's and men's doubles matches with ease. They were just one mixed doubles win away from clinching the title. A notable strategic decision was made by the Shock; instead of their usual mixed doubles pairing of Anna Bright and Hayden Patriquin, they chose Kate Fahey and Gabe Tardio to compete against LA's Catherine Parenteau and Max Freeman. This tactical shift proved to be effective, as Fahey and Tardio secured a convincing 11-6 victory, avenging their earlier defeat to the same duo and concluding the match without the need for a second mixed doubles game. Tardio expressed confidence, stating, "It definitely added a little bit of pressure, but we're confident that me and Kate can beat any team. We've been playing really well, and they gave us the opportunity. We lost to Catherine and Max the last time we played them, so this one felt good."
A Team in Peak Form
Richard Chaifetz, the owner and chairman of the Shock, views this victory as evidence that his team is hitting their stride just as the playoff picture begins to take shape. He remarked, “I’m so proud of our players and happy that we’re peaking at the right time. We have won two Super Sundays in a row, and we’re excited to see what happens next at the Mid-Season Tournament.”
Final Standings from St. Petersburg
1. St. Louis Shock — 25 points
2. Los Angeles Mad Drops — 18 points
3. Brooklyn Pickleball Team — 15 points
4. Palm Beach Royals — 12 points
5. Columbus Sliders — 10 points
6. Chicago Slice — 8 points
The Bigger Picture
This victory solidifies St. Louis's position at the top of the standings. They still have the Mid-Season Tournament and MLP Orlando to look forward to before the playoffs commence. The MLP season continues this week in New York from June 25 to 28, where the Shock will aim for their 12th consecutive win.