STL Shock Semifinals Matchup Set, Will Face #3 Dallas Flash in 2024 Vulcan MLP Playoffs in Orlando

Orlando, FL – The 2024 Vulcan Major League Pickleball (MLP) Playoffs in Orlando are heating up as the top teams prepare to battle for a chance to claim MLP’s first ever playoff Championship. The St. Louis Shock, seeded No. 2 in the Premier Level after finishing with a 19-4 record, will square off against the No. 3 Dallas Flash in a highly anticipated showdown of two of the best teams in the world’s fastest growing sport of pickleball. The Shock earned a top two playoff seed and a bye straight to the semifinals, and the Dallas Flash are coming off a quarterfinals win over the New York Flash.

Premier Level Semifinals Matchups

No. 2 St. Louis Shock vs. No. 3 Dallas Flash

The rivalry between the St. Louis Shock and Dallas Flash has been one of the most intense of the season, with the teams meeting in three consecutive events. Each team claimed one regulation victory over the other, but the Shock hold a 2-1 series edge after winning a tightly contested DreamBreaker match.

• Salt Lake City: Dallas came out strong, securing a regulation win over St. Louis and adding a statement victory over top-seeded New Jersey.
• Kansas City: The matchup between the Shock and Flash went down to the wire, with St. Louis claiming a thrilling 21-19 DreamBreaker victory.
• Las Vegas: St. Louis closed out the regular season series with a decisive 3-1 regulation win over the Flash, pushing them out of contention for a top two seed and semifinal bye, building momentum heading into the playoffs.

"We've battled Dallas hard this season, and every match has been a nail-biter," said Ross Chaifetz, Co-Owner & General Manager of the St. Louis Shock. "This will be an intense matchup between two Championship-caliber teams featuring eight of the best players in the sport. We are ready to leave it all on the court and make a strong push for the finals."

The winner of this matchup will advance to the Premier Level Finals, while the losing team will compete in a single match to determine 3rd place.

No. 1 New Jersey 5s vs. No. 5 Texas Ranchers

The No. 1 seed New Jersey 5s will face off against the Texas Ranchers, a team they beat twice in the regular season. The 5s narrowly defeated the Ranchers in a DreamBreaker in Salt Lake City and later earned a 3-1 victory in Las Vegas, where Texas was missing key player Christian Alshon. With both teams at full strength, fans can expect a battle that could swing either way.

Path to the Finals

The winning teams in each level will advance to their respective Finals in Orlando, set in a best-of-three-matches format. The higher-seeded teams will hold the advantage, starting as the home team for Matches #1 and #3.

“We truly believe that the four remaining teams are the best and most deserving teams in MLP. During this Championship weekend, fans will see some of the best pickleball in the history of the sport”, Chaifetz added.

Fans can stay tuned for a STL Shock social media giveaway that will give a chance for a free trip to watch the Shock chase a Championship in Orlando, FL. Following the Shock on social media at @STLSHOCKMLP for your chance to win a free trip to follow the team.