MESA, AZ – Tammy Emmrich and Daniel De La Rosa defeated one of the most energetic duos on the PPA Tour on Wednesday, besting Allyce Jones and Connor Garnett.

But, it was no walk in the park for the No. 28 seeds during a back-and-forth affair that also featured a few notable incidents along the way. 

Emmrich was accidentally struck in the wrist by De La Rosa’s paddle in the first game, while Jones fell face first on the court during the contest as well.

Fortunately, both women recovered quickly.

Emmrich and De La Rosa ultimately secured a 5-11, 11-9, 11-9 triumph.

“Danny and I are very in sync on the court,” said Emmrich. “We play exclusively with each other and that’s a really big advantage. We know each other’s games really well and just have so much fun together.”

The pair joined forces in August when De La Rosa drafted Emmrich to his Major League Pickleball (MLP) team.

“We’re really happy with the results we’ve been having so far,” said De La Rosa.

When asked about striking Emmrich's wrist with his paddle, De La Rosa was immediately apologetic.

“That was my fault. I got in the way,” he said with a chuckle.

Emmrich wasn't rattled.

“He’s trying to cramp my space,” she joked.

A matchup with Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters awaits, but De La Rosa and Emmrich remain confident. 

“Every time I step on the court with Tammy, I don’t care who’s on the other side,” stated De La Rosa. “I’m focused on ourselves to do our best.”