2 weeks ago
Left-Side Battle Could Decide Who Reaches MLP 2026 Final
Pickleball is a fun sport a little like tennis, played with a paddle and a plastic ball.
There is a big league for it called MLP, short for Major League Pickleball.
Two teams, New Jersey and Brooklyn, are about to play against each other.
The winner of this game might get to play in the big final match.
New Jersey has two very strong attacking players named Anna Leigh Waters and Jorja Johnson.
Brooklyn has two players named Riley Newman and Christian Alshon.
Experts say Riley plays better on the left side of the court.
Christian is more comfortable on the right side.
But if both Brooklyn players stay on their favorite sides, the team can't try as many different pairings.
So this tricky left-side choice could help decide who reaches the final.
New Jersey's matchup against Brooklyn is described as especially intriguing in the race to the MLP 2026 final.
New Jersey boast Anna Leigh Waters and Jorja Johnson, two high-level attacking options whose versatility gives the 5s a considerable advantage.
Brooklyn hold a structural advantage with Riley Newman and Christian Alshon.
Pre-season analysis identified Riley Newman as the stronger left-side player.
Christian Alshon is seen as more naturally suited to the right side, and keeping both on preferred sides could limit Brooklyn's pairing options.
- Who
- Anna Leigh Waters and Jorja Johnson of New Jersey, and Riley Newman and Christian Alshon of Brooklyn.
- What
- An analysis of the left-side battle that could decide which team reaches the MLP 2026 final.
- Where
- The specific venue is not stated; the matchup takes place in Major League Pickleball competition.
- When
- During the MLP 2026 season; no specific date is stated in the articles.
- Why
- The left-side matchup and how teams use their preferred players could determine who advances to the final.
Key facts
- League
- Major League Pickleball (MLP)
- Season
- 2026
- Matchup
- New Jersey vs Brooklyn
- New Jersey players
- Anna Leigh Waters, Jorja Johnson
- Brooklyn players
- Riley Newman, Christian Alshon
- Key storyline
- Left-side battle
- Pre-season analysis
- Newman stronger on left; Alshon naturally suited to right
Sources
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