Breakers fall short in New York, close on a high note
The Bay Area Breakers traveled to Sportime Randall's Island for MLP New York and ran into a tough weekend, finishing 1-4. The record was not what the team hoped for, but the Breakers refused to limp out of town. They saved their best for last, closing the event with a clean sweep of the Carolina Hogs.
A new face in the lineup
New York marked the first event for Blaine Hovenier, acquired in last week's three-team trade. In his Breakers debut, Hovenier showed flashes of exactly what the club brought him in for, with promising signs in men's doubles. As he builds chemistry with his new partners, that side of the lineup looks like a piece the Breakers can grow around down the stretch.
Finishing strong against Carolina
After a frustrating run through group play, the Breakers flipped the script in their final match and swept the Carolina Hogs 3-0. Rain pushed the matches indoors and shortened the format, with the fourth game left unplayed, but the Breakers handled business in every game that counted. It was the kind of complete team performance the group has been chasing, and a result to carry into what comes next.
A scary moment, met with class
Thursday's match against the Brooklyn Pickleball Team was halted when a gust of wind tipped over a baseline video board, and Brooklyn's Rachel Rohrabacher was injured in the incident. The Breakers conceded the women's doubles game that was in progress out of respect for the situation. Rohrabacher later thanked the Breakers publicly for their kindness and sportsmanship. We are relieved she is okay and we wish her a full and speedy recovery.
Where we stand
After New York, the Breakers sit tied for 16th in the league standings, on the outside of the playoff picture looking in. With 12 playoff spots up for grabs, the math is simple: Bay Area is facing elimination from contention and will need a strong showing in San Diego to keep its postseason hopes alive.
Up next: the Mid-Season Tournament
Before San Diego, the entire league reunites for the Mid-Season Tournament in Grand Rapids, hosted alongside the Beer City Open. Based on current standings, the Breakers open against the Florida Smash in the first round.
The format splits into separate brackets: a double-elimination bracket for bronze, and single-elimination for gold and silver. The top three teams will earn standings points and prize money, so there is plenty on the line. One more reason to tune in: Mya Bui has been selected to take part in a one-point challenge for $20,000.
Juniors keep rolling
The next wave of Breakers talent continues to impress. The Jr. DUPR 18 team went undefeated in New York and now takes a break before its next event in San Diego. The Jr. DUPR 16 team went 3-2 and sits 4th in the standings heading into San Diego. Credit again to coach Arjun Thyagarajan and both squads for their strong starts.
Thank you to our sponsors
None of this is possible without the partners who power the Breakers. Huge thanks to:
- Home Loan Studio, our title sponsor
- Joola
Ride the Tide.
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