Hustlers strike first, outduel Flash in DreamBreaker
The New York Hustlers played the villain role Saturday afternoon at Brookhaven Country Club, coming away with a DreamBreaker victory over the hometown favorite Dallas Flash.
After the teams split the opening two gender doubles games, Augie Ge/Hurricane Tyra Black took down CJ Klinger/Jackie Kawamoto to put Dallas in a position to win the match with its top mixed duo of JW/Jorja Johnson.
Jack Sock and Lea Jansen had other plans, however.
In a shockingly dominant performance, they cruised past the Johnson siblings by a 25-13 score line to bring on the DreamBreaker.
Dallas again had the advantage in that singles contest with a 6-2 advantage after the first two rotations, but New York stormed back for a 21-17 triumph.
Interestingly enough, each individual matchup in the DreamBreaker ended in a draw, except for one: Jansen outscored Black 6-2 to create the separation that would help the Hustlers secure the win.
New York took the final playoff spot at the Premier level, but they aren’t letting their seed dictate their level of play.
“We know we can beat any team on our top side, and our low side is obviously on the other end,” Sock mentioned of his squad's potential. “When we’re clicking on all cylinders, I think we’re a very dangerous team.”
The Hustlers will look to close out the best two-out-of-three series when they face Dallas again on Sunday at 4 p.m. CST.
Related articles
Bright: 'Pure pickleball players' are the future of the sport
The Junior PPA is steadily developing the next generation of stars.
4 hours ago
-Victoria Radnothy
Navratil: 'You have to be obsessed with this game to get anywhere' in pickleball
Zane Navratil has advice for tennis players looking to enjoy success in America's fastest-growing sport.
4 days ago
-Victoria Radnothy
Thanksgiving is a major celebration for Alli Phillips and her family
She's one of eight siblings, so holiday festivities are definitely a treat.
5 days ago
-Victoria Radnothy
Brascia, Dizon to fill in for injured Wright at PPA Finals
We've got some partner shakeups ahead of next week's season-ending competition.
6 days ago
-Will Daughton