St. Louis Shock Storm To 2-0 Start In MLP Orlando Opener

ORLANDO, FL – The St. Louis Shock kicked off their 2025 Major League Pickleball season with a perfect 2-0 start at MLP Orlando, showcasing the team's dynamic young talent and validating their status as championship contenders.

The Shock opened their season with a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Brooklyn Pickleball Team. After splitting the doubles matches 2-2, St. Louis delivered a clutch performance in the decisive Dreambreaker, defeating Brooklyn 21-14 to secure the match.

In their second match, the Shock faced the New Jersey 5s in what quickly became one of the weekend's most intense battles. The St. Louis squad claimed a decisive 3-1 victory, with the team's disciplined play overcoming a New Jersey roster featuring pickleball superstar Anna Leigh Waters.

"Our young core showed tremendous poise under pressure this weekend," said Ross Chaifetz, Owner and General Manager of the St. Louis Shock. "Winning these early matches against strong competition validates the team we've built, but we know this is just the beginning of a long season."

Standout performances came from across the roster, with the men's doubles team of Hayden Patriquin and Gabriel Tardio going undefeated on the weekend. Anna Bright and Kate Fahey controlled the women's doubles court, while the mixed doubles combinations demonstrated versatility and clutch execution.

Fans will get an unprecedented look at the Shock's successful weekend with the launch of "Shock and Awe," the team's new YouTube series debuting this week. Created in partnership with digital media powerhouse DaGuys, the first episode provides exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the team's preparation, competition, and celebrations in Orlando. The documentary-style series will continue throughout the season, offering viewers an all-access pass to professional pickleball's most innovative franchise.

The Shock now turn their attention to MLP Columbus presented by The James at Ohio State, where they'll face a grueling schedule of six matches over four days beginning May 1.

St. Louis Shock Columbus Schedule:

• Thursday, May 1, 3:00 PM vs. Atlanta Bouncers
• Friday, May 2, 1:30 PM vs. Miami Pickleball Club
• Saturday, May 3, 1:00 PM vs. Columbus Sliders
• Saturday, May 3, 4:30 PM vs. Orlando Squeeze
• Sunday, May 4, 10:00 AM vs. Phoenix Flames
• Sunday, May 4, 11:45 AM vs. New York Hustlers

"The quick turnaround to Columbus presents a new challenge with six matches packed into a single event," said Andrew Haines, Chief Operating Officer of the St. Louis Shock. "Our performance in Orlando gives us momentum, but we need to maintain that same energy and execution with this demanding schedule ahead."

All matches will be available on PickleballTV, with select Shock matches airing locally on Matrix Midwest.

About the St. Louis Shock: The St. Louis Shock is a professional pickleball team competing in Major League Pickleball (MLP). Since its founding in 2023, the team has experienced explosive growth, quickly establishing itself as an innovative leader both on and off the court. The Shock continues to set the pace for the sport's expansion through cutting-edge community events, youth development programs, and championship-caliber professional competition.

About Major League Pickleball (MLP presented by DoorDash): Founded in 2021, Major League Pickleball (MLP presented by DoorDash) is the preeminent, coed, team-based professional pickleball league, featuring over 100 of the best athletes across 22 teams, iconic team owners, and the most electric live events and fan experience in the sport. In 2024, MLP and the PPA Tour merged under the newly-formed United Pickleball Association (UPA), bringing together the leading professional pickleball organizations under a single entity. Visit the official website and follow MLP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube for more.