Raymond H. Goettsch
The four teams fielded by SaddleBrooke Pickleball Association (SPA) to compete in the Arizona Pickleball Players League (APPL) have completed their regular season play, and three teams advanced to state play.
The Tire Biters team (men’s 3.0 65+) finished its season with three wins, four losses, and one tie. The only opponent that was 3.0 65+ was the Vail team (Vail’d Threat), and the Tire Biters won both games against that team. The other opponents were 3.0 50+. As a result, the Tire Biters team advanced to play at the Arizona State finals in El Mirage on April 7.
Also advancing directly to state finals was the Dill Me In team (women’s 3.0 65+). The Dill Me In team’s regular season record was 10 wins and no losses. The Dill Me In team proceeded directly to state finals on April 7 in El Mirage and will play the Prickly Pairs team from Casa Grande in the semifinals. Then, if the Dill Me In team wins, it will play the winner of the match between the Ladies Dinker team from Sun City and the Las Palomas Grande team from the East Valley.
The Soft Serve team (women’s 4.0 65+) finished its season with a win against the Gallery Girls team (65+). On March 21, the Soft Serve team defeated the Gallery Girls again in regional play at Udall Park. The Soft Serve team advanced to the state tournament on April 7.
The Flying Burrito Brothers team finished the regular season with seven wins and three losses. The Dill Pickles team had the same win/loss record. However, since the Dill Pickles team had won the match against the Flying Burrito Brothers, the Dill Pickles team advanced to the state tournament.
Next year, teams in the APPL will have the opportunity to advance to a national tournament if they prevail at the state tournament. The National Team Pickleball League has announced that APPL has been designated as the qualifying agent for Arizona. As a result, APPL state champions will compete with 16 regions across the country, all vying for the title of national champions.