New Jersey Downs Miami, Starts Mlp Austin On A High

The New Jersey 5s (6-1, 16 points) began their MLP Austin schedule on a positive note with a 3-1 regulation victory over Miami Pickleball Club (6-6, 16 points) on Saturday.

The 5s are a well-oiled machine, of course, so their opponents faced a tall task on Championship Court.

During the post-match interview, captain Zane Navratil spoke about New Jersey's unwavering commitment to planning ahead for every MLP event.

"We just try to make sure that we're the most prepared team. We try to take care of everything that we can control, and I think we do a good job of controlling everything that we possibly can," he explained. "If nothing else, we're the most prepared team, and probably the most obnoxious team, too."

Pickleballtv broadcaster Dave Fleming asked Navratil to expand on the subject of preparation.

"You can control everything leading up to an event, whether we have someone assigned to give us water bottles out there or all of the strategy, where we're going to return, where we're going to try and target with thirds, all types of stuff," he added. "Being on time is a big one, making sure that we hit different things as part of our warmup, same routine every time. Once you get onto the court, the only two things that you can actually control are your effort and your attitude, and we do a good job of trying to control that as well."

Here are the results from Saturday's match between New Jersey and Miami:

WD: Anna Leigh Waters/Meghan Dizon (NJ) def. Mya Bui/Milan Rane (MIA) 11-2

MD: Will Howells/Zane Navratil (NJ) def. Noe Khlif/Jay Devilliers (MIA) 12-10

MXD: Noe Khlif/Milan Rane (MIA) def. Zane Navratil/Meghan Dizon (NJ) 11-6

MXD: Will Howells/Anna Leigh Waters (NJ) def. Jay Devilliers/Mya Bui (MIA) 11-2