1 Seed Defeats Orlando Squeeze 2-0, Selects Columbus Sliders for Semifinal Matchup in New York City

SAN DIEGO, CA – The St. Louis Shock continued their championship pursuit with a commanding 2-0 series victory over the Orlando Squeeze in the MLP Playoffs, advancing to the semifinals in New York City. The #1 seeded Shock showcased the championship form that carried them to a historic 24-1 regular season, controlling both matches against Orlando to earn their spot in championship weekend.

The Shock's playoff dominance was highlighted by strong performances across all disciplines, with the team winning the series 2-0 behind clutch mixed doubles play and consistent excellence from their championship roster.

SERIES RESULTS:

Game 1 - August 15: Shock def. Orlando Squeeze 3-0 The Shock opened their playoff campaign with authority, sweeping Orlando behind dominant performances from Anna Bright and Kate Fahey in women's doubles (11-3) and Gabriel Tardio and Hayden Patriquin in men's doubles (11-3). The team closed out the victory with strong mixed doubles performances, showcasing the balanced attack that has defined their championship season. Kate Fahey and Gabriel Tardio were down (3-10) and battled back to win (12-10).

Game 2 - August 16: Shock def. Orlando Squeeze 3-1 In the series clincher, the Shock faced their first playoff adversity when Orlando took the opening women's doubles match (11-6). However, the championship experience and resilience that carried the Shock to the #1 seed immediately showed as they responded with decisive victories in men's doubles (11-8) and both mixed doubles matches to secure the series victory and advance to the semifinals.

"Our team showed tremendous composure and championship character throughout this series," said Ross Chaifetz, GM & Owner of the St. Louis Shock. "Orlando pushed us in Game 2, and that's exactly the kind of test we needed heading into championship weekend. Our players responded like champions, and we're excited to take our show to New York City."

SEMIFINAL OPPONENT SELECTION

As the #1 seed, the Shock exercised their right to select their semifinal opponent and have chosen to face the Columbus Sliders in Friday's championship weekend action. The strategic selection sets up an intriguing semifinal matchup between the league's top seed and a Columbus team that advanced through the playoff bracket.

The Shock will face Columbus in a best-of-two semifinal series with Match 1 beginning at 11:30 AM ET and Match 2 at 3:15 PM ET on Friday, August 22nd. In the other semifinal, the New Jersey 5s will battle the Los Angeles Mad Drops for their spot in the championship final.

CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND SCHEDULE

Friday's semifinal winners will advance to the MLP Finals, which are set to begin Saturday afternoon in New York City. The Shock's path to the championship they've pursued all season runs through their semifinal matchup with Columbus, as they look to leverage their #1 seed positioning and championship experience to reach the final.

"This is what we've worked for all season long," added Chaifetz. "The regular season championship and #1 seed were great accomplishments, but our goal has always been to win the MLP championship. We selected Columbus as our opponent, and we're confident in our preparation and readiness to advance to the finals."

CHAMPIONSHIP PURSUIT CONTINUES

The Shock's advancement to the semifinals represents the culmination of their record-breaking regular season (24-1) and validates their position as the tournament's top seed. With their balanced roster firing on all cylinders and their championship experience evident in crucial moments, the Shock enter championship weekend as the clear favorites to capture the MLP title.

Championship weekend in New York City promises to showcase the best of Major League Pickleball, with the Shock positioned to complete their championship journey and capture the title that would cap off one of the most dominant seasons in professional pickleball history.

About the St. Louis Shock: The St. Louis Shock is a premier professional pickleball franchise competing in Major League Pickleball (MLP). Founded in 2023, the organization has quickly established itself as an industry innovator both on and off the court. Led by one of the youngest and most dynamic player rosters in the league, the Shock competes at the highest level of professional pickleball while developing the sport's next generation through its pioneering Minor League Pickleball program. With a commitment to community engagement, player development, and entertainment excellence, the Shock is redefining the pickleball experience for fans, players, and partners alike. For more information, visit www.stlshock.com or follow @STLShockMLP on social media.