Jorja Johnson/JW Johnson captured their third mixed doubles title of the season with a 3-11, 12-10, 11-5, 11-5 victory over No. 7 seeds Kate Fahey/Dylan Frazier.

The top seeds nearly dropped the first two games, but they saved a game point at 9-10 in Game 2 and proceeded to close out the match from there, despite an inspired performance from their opponents.

Jorja, who struggled to find her rhythm in the early stages of the contest, commented on the mental fortitude it takes to succeed playing with the wooden paddles.

“I have to say, this is some of the most frustrating pickleball I’ve ever played. I’m sure that everyone who played this tournament with a wooden paddle can attest. It really was a testament to just staying disciplined and hitting the shots you know you can hit,” she mentioned.

Another interesting dynamic was the matchup between JW and Dylan. The two friends had teamed up to take men’s doubles gold earlier in the day but then had to compete against each other in the mixed final.

Johnson says it wasn’t an issue for either one of them.

“There was a lot of trash talk between the two of us yesterday in the Airbnb, but other than that, we know we’re going to be friends afterwards anyway, so I just wanted to go out there and try my hardest.”

No. 3 seeds Jessie Irvine/Gabe Tardio were awarded the bronze medal after No. 9 seeds Layne Sleeth/Riley Newman withdrew ahead of their match.