The Coachella Valley Scorpions began and ended their weekend in Kansas City in second place in the National Pickleball League standings despite a 2-2 showing for the weekend.
Upon arrival at the SW19 pickleball facility near the Kansas City Royals stadium, the Scorpions learned that Brandi Zaslansky’s injured elbow was worse than expected and would be unable to play. The women would have to again play without a sub and soldier on as they had done in Denver.
Opening play on Saturday morning against the Princeton Bruisers left their mark on the Scorp Squad as they split the six gender matches but could only get one win in the six mixed matches, resulting in a knockout win for the Bruisers, 8-4.
After a much-needed lunch break, the Scorpions took on the Boca Raton Surge, last year’s champions. On Championship court, Marcin Rozpedski (Palm Desert) and Cord Robbins set the tone by winning their second gender match of the day 2-0. Back on track with a 5-1 lead after the genders, the mixed matches also went the way of the Scorps 4-2, resulting in a convincing 9-3 team battle win.
Robbins tweaked his foot in his mixed match and had to forfeit and left the team feeling unsure of his status for Sunday. It was also a harsh reminder that injuries are a part of sport, and the importance of a proper warmup, pre- and post-match stretching and good nutrition are all important ingredients to an active lifestyle for seniors and all athletes.
A little touch of Midwest weather with rain and thunderstorms and manageable humidity greeted the early risers as play began Sunday. It also brought some good news from Robbins that he was ready to play. Hoping for a better morning start against the Columbus Hotshots proved to be a false hope. The teams split the gender matches, but again faltered in the mixed matches, losing them 4-2 for an overall 7-5 loss.
Looking to redeem themselves, the Scorpions took on the host Kansas City Stingers for their final team battle. Due to one court shortage, the schedule was somewhat scrambled with Scott Burr scheduled at one point to be playing on two courts at the same time. Again, the Scorpions dominated in the gender matches taking a 5-1 lead. Splitting the mixed matches guaranteed them of an 8-4 win, with Cord Robbins and partner Kara Williams winning in record time for the clinching seventh win.
Princeton won the weekend in Kansas City with a 4-0 record, while Naples won in Houston with a 4-0 record.
Outstanding performances from Drew Slacum (5-1) and David Katz (5-1) from the men, and Natalie Hill (6-2) for the women kept the Scorpions in their second place standing. With a 9-3 record after three weekends, Coachella Valley is one game behind Seattle at 10-2. Trailing the Scorpions are Princeton, Columbus, and Austin Ignite in third place with identical 7-5 records.
The next event on the schedule is Aug. 9-10 in Austin, Texas.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Scorpions split at Kansas City event, remain in second place in NPL standings
Reporting by Andy Banachowski / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
