KOC OPEN MIXED DOUBLES — UPSETS, SURPRISES & CHAMPIONSHIP RECAP
The KOC Open Mixed Doubles delivered competitive matches, unexpected results and several impressive performances throughout the day.
Three matches required an 11-point tiebreaker:
• #20 Ozzy Tordoya & Mariam Diouri defeated #16 Mohsin Illyas & Emma Jade, 15-9, 11-15, 11-2.
• #12 Evan Sehic & Liz Gonzalez came from behind to upset #8 Ryan Spiegel & Julissa Roque, 8-15, 15-12, 11-5.
• #7 Julio Blanco & Miriam Silva recovered after dropping the opening game to defeat #11 CJ Espinal & Luz Mancero, 10-15, 15-13, 11-4.
• #15 Mario Ortiz & Jessenia Garate survived two extremely close games against #19 Steve Tagliaferri & Mo Morela, winning 15-13 and 15-14.
The surprises continued in the quarterfinals.
#7 Julio Blanco & Miriam Silva played great all day and produced one of the biggest upsets of the tournament by defeating #2 Paul Angel & Melanie Garate convincingly, 21-10.
First-time partners Dave Blatt & Arielle Scarcella showed great chemistry and played outstanding paddleball throughout the entire day. Their tough first round match against Richie Brooklyn & Charlene 15-12, 15-14 prepared them well for the quarterfinals. Dave & Arielle went up against a newly created team of #3 Shawn Jackson & Angie Roman, this was one of the best matches of the tournament. Dave and Arielle survived a tremendous battle, winning 22-20. Dave & Arielle went on to win another nail biter in the second semifinal defeating Julio & Miriam 21-17.
Robert Sostre & Jewelz Santiago also put together an exceptional run. They defeated #4 Alex Kutovsky & Janelle Kemp 21-17 in the quarterfinals and then delivered the biggest statement of the tournament, dominating the #1 team of Greg Sgar & Erika Tinalli 21-9 in the first semifinal. Robert “Iceman” Sostre played with a level of intensity that we have not seen from him in quite some time. Robert and Jewelz carried that momentum into the championship match and held a 14-13 lead. The long road to the final began to take its toll, Robert was physically hurting, and it showed as the match progressed. Dave and Arielle recognized the opportunity, raised their level and finished the championship with a devastating 12-1 run.
Dave Blatt & Arielle Scarcella defeated Robert Sostre & Jewelz Santiago 25-15 to become the KOC Open Mixed Doubles Champions!
For a first-time partnership, Dave and Arielle were remarkably composed and consistent. They defeated the #3, #7 and #5 teams in succession to complete an outstanding championship run.
FINAL STANDINGS
🏆 Champions: Dave Blatt & Arielle Scarcella — $1,200
🥈 Robert Sostre & Jewelz Santiago — $700
🥉 Julio Blanco & Miriam Silva — $400
4th: Greg Sgar & Erika Tinalli — $200
5th: Shawn Jackson & Angie Roman — $100
6th: Alex Kutovsky & Janelle Kemp — $100
Total prize money: $2,700
A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who helped make the KOC Open Mixed Doubles tournament a success! Thank you to Glen Winokur and Greg Sgarlata for providing outstanding commentary throughout the day on the Paddleball Channel. Special thanks to our all-day referees, Sue Stephen and Mitch Goldberg, along with Mike Melendez, Paul Portugal, and Frank Paddles for stepping in and helping.Thank you to Jewelz Santiago and Charlene Gilio for their generous donations, and to all our lines people whose efforts helped keep the matches moving and the tournament running smoothly.
Your time, support, and dedication were greatly appreciated. We could not have done it without you.
Jose (KOC)