Challenger MLPA Heats Up: Mavericks, Breakers, Crocs, Rush into Semi Finals

While the Pro Division took centre stage at the Queensland Tennis Centre, the Challenger Division delivered its own share of drama, breakout performances, and future stars putting their stamp on Major League Pickleball Australia. With every team desperate to start strong, Round One didn’t disappoint.

Smash Edge Out Hustle in Tight Battle‍

The Smash Challenger squad opened their campaign with a narrow 3-2 win over the Hustle. Grace Sorbello and Brittany Yang impressed in women's doubles, while Michael Massih added firepower in the men's game. Hustle fought hard behind Zoey Daggmarr, but Smash's mixed doubles proved decisive.

‍Rush Power Past Vipers

The Rush stamped their authority with a convincing 3–1 win against the Vipers. Tayah Cross and Millie Smythe looked sharp in doubles before sealing the deal in mixed. The Vipers’ Aleisha Horridge battled fiercely, but Rush’s all-court game was too strong on the day.

‍Mavericks Sweep Glory in Statement Win

The Mavericks Challenger team made the biggest statement of Round One, sweeping the Glory 4–0 without dropping a match. Bee Horsley and Ayesha Dang were unstoppable in women’s doubles, while Josh Nipperess and Nicholas Maleganeas combined for ruthless efficiency. Glory, meanwhile, never quite found their rhythm and were left chasing rallies from start to finish.

‍Breakers Outlast Crocs in Tight Contest

In one of the most competitive ties of the round, the Breakers battled past the Crocs 3–1. The men of the Crocs brought up an early win, but it was the consistency and composure, especially in the deciding womens and mixed doubles that set the Breakers apart.. The Breakers’ Crystal Mildwaters and Kirsty McCorkindale came up clutch again, and the Breakers held firm to seal the win.

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Round Two of the Challenger Division raised the stakes as teams fought to establish themselves in the standings. With big sweeps and gritty three–one results, the competition is already heating up.

Match Highlights

Mavericks sweep Vipers (4–0):
The Mavericks were untouchable in Round Two, dominating across women’s, men’s, and both mixed doubles. Bee Horsley and Ayesha Dang combined for another standout showing, stamping the Mavericks as early title contenders.

Crocs edge Rush (3–1):

‍In one of the tightest contests of the round, the Crocs leaned on Gianni Martine and Ellen McDonogh to seal a hard-fought 3–1 victory. Rush’s Tom Lashford and Oliver Gray pushed the tie to the brink, but Crocs held steady in the clutch.

Breakers battle past Smash (3–1):
Crystal Mildwaters and Kirsty Mccorkindale powered the Breakers through a strong women’s doubles win and a crucial mixed result. Despite a spirited effort from Smash, the Breakers walked away with their second straight victory.

Glory outlast Hustle (3–1):
The Glory rebounded from their Round One struggles with a statement win. Jess Hughes and Jess Christie shone in doubles, while Jess Christie sealed it in mixed with a dramatic 24–22 finish. Hustle again showed flashes but remained winless.

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Sunday Semi Final Preview

The Challenger race narrows to four. With a spot in the Grand Final on the line, all eyes turn to Sunday:

• Semi Final 1 – Mavericks vs Crocs:
  The Mavericks have been perfect through two rounds and will look to continue their dominance. The Crocs, however, bring momentum from their tight win over Rush and have the talent to push the favourites. Expect the women’s doubles to set the tone.
  
  
• Semi Final 2 – Breakers vs Rush:
  The Breakers have been consistent and well-rounded, but the Rush are dangerous despite their 1–1 start. If Tom Lashford and Oliver Gray can fire in men’s and mixed, this could be the upset of the tournament.

The Challenger division is already proving its worth: competitive, unpredictable, and full of players hungry to push their way into the spotlight of Major League Pickleball Australia.

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