The New Jersey 5s moved into the quarterfinals of the MLP Mid-Season Tournament after beating the Miami Pickleball Club 3-0 on July 9 in Grand Rapids. The league’s top-ranked team played well from start to finish and won all three completed matches. Anna Leigh Waters supported the squad with another strong performance, while Will Howells and Noe Khlif won an important men’s doubles battle to help New Jersey continue its title run.
New Jersey started strongly in the women’s doubles. Anna Leigh Waters and Jorja Johnson took an early 6-0 lead and never let Miami get back into the game. Waters covered the court well and kept attacking at the kitchen line, while Johnson supported her with strong returns and a brilliant around-the-post (ATP) winner to finish the match.
The men’s doubles was the most closely contested match. Will Howells and Noe Khlif faced Dylan Frasier and Yuta Funemizu in a thrilling contest that ended 14-12. Frasier displayed powerful drives and quick attacking shots in the match. However, Howells and Khlif stayed calm under pressure, saved several game points, and won the match after a long battle at the kitchen line.
Miami showed more fight in the mixed doubles. Isabella Dunlap and Dylan Frasier leveled the score several times and kept putting pressure on New Jersey. But Anna Leigh Waters once again made the difference. She showed excellent hand speed and even hit a two-handed backhand volley out of the air to protect the middle of the court. Waters and Khlif closed out the game 11-7 to complete the victory.
Waters once again showed why she is one of the best players in pickleball. Noe Khlif also played an important role with his calm play and good decision-making in key moments. For Miami, Dylan Frasier was the standout player. His quick movement and attacking style helped Miami stay competitive throughout the match.
With the win, the New Jersey 5s moved into the quarterfinals and continued their strong run in the MLP Mid-Season Tournament.
Written by Aditi Jain
