The New Jersey 5s have stormed back to the top of the Major League Pickleball standings after a ruthless display at MLP New York that ended on June 28. They gained a maximum of 25 standing points with a dominant sweep in the final 3-0, making the claim of three consecutive winning streaks and opening a decisive gap at the top of the table.
Official standings now show the New Jersey 5s with a commanding lead and high game differential. Their iconic final victory featured Anna Leigh Waters and Jorja Johnson outplaying the women’s doubles 11-1, extending their unbeaten partnership record to 22-0 this season. Noe Khlif and Will Howells secured a hard-fought men’s doubles win with a score of 11-8, and Waters teamed up with Khlif to close out mixed doubles. This positions them well ahead for the upcoming mid-season tournament.
Brooklyn Pickleball Team put in a convincing effort to win 18 points, with Christian Alshon and Riley Newman playing well in men’s doubles and Rachel Rohrabacher showing great fight in mixed. Texas Ranchers added 15 points, supported by Kaitlyn Christian’s dependable performance in women’s doubles. These gains make both teams strong contenders for the playoff race.
Other teams have also impressed with strong performances. St. Louis Shock’s Elsie Hendershot has been a trending talent with consistent doubles wins, while Palm Beach Royals’ Dekel Bar continues to excel in mixed doubles. Dallas Flash’s Danni-Elle Townsend has also made a big impact, securing valuable points to keep her team relevant in the playoff race.
What This Means For The Season
The 5s have made an early lead, but the upcoming mid-season in Grand Rapids will give every other team a significant chance to climb. With Trade Window #2 remaining open till July 12, roster moves, including waiver claims starting at $1,000, could dramatically change the scene. Points from New York reflect a major boost toward the expanded playoffs.
Viewers can expect exciting and nail-biting matches in Grand Rapids. While New Jersey will continue to push its dominance, hungry challengers like Brooklyn, Texas, and St. Louis will fight to close the gap. The $25,000 One Point Challenge for 128 amateur teams will add extra excitement and talent-hunting opportunities.
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(Written by Aditi Jain)