Jorja Johnson and Mari Humberg playing women's doubles pickleball.
Jorja Johnson and Mari Humberg competing at the Carvana Mesa Arizona Cup in February. PPA Tour

Johnson, Humberg roll into women’s doubles quarters

PEACHTREE CORNERS, GA - Jorja Johnson and Mari Humberg are into the women’s doubles quarterfinals after an 11-2, 13-11 victory over No. 7 seeds Jessie Irvine and Tina Pisnik.

The match showcased two contrasting styles of pickleball.

“We are a very offensive team, and today we played a very strategic, defensive team, so our aggressiveness had to be a contained a little bit,” Humberg explained.

A key component of the team’s aggressive style is Humberg’s one-handed backhand flick, which is a rarity in the women’s game. She says that the shot gives her and Johnson unique offensive capabilities as a team.

"Jorja’s forehand out of the air combined with my backhand out of the air gives us attacks from both sides that no other team has as open as we do,” she shared.

This win marks the third time in three tournaments together that the pair have made it to at least the quarterfinal round. They even took bronze at the Carvana Mesa Arizona Cup back in February.

“We just have a lot of fun out there and keep each other pumped up,” Johnson said of the tandem’s success.

The No. 12 seeds will face No. 4 seeds Lea Jansen and Callie Smith on Friday.