Pictured, from left, are first place winner Farzad Abib, second place winner Jimmy Sisco, and Nick Lanphier and Henry Wesolowski, who tied for third place. Photo provided by Steve Libring.The Canyon Lake Pickleball Club held its Autumn Classic on the newly constructed courts. Sixteen men and eight women participated in this inaugural event that randomly paired players for five games.
Farzad Adib went undefeated with a perfect 55 points. Second place went to Jimmy Sisco with 52 points. With 51 points each, Nick Lanphier and Henry Wesolowski tied for third place. Each of these teams won four out of five matches with different partners.
Not to be outdone, the women showed what they were capable of when competing head-to-head against the men. The top woman was newcomer Karissa Ornelas, with a fifth-place finish of 50 points. Karissa joined the club just the week before and showed she will be a force to reckon with.
Val Gambina was the second top woman finisher just 1 point behind Karissa. She finished in sixth place with 49 points ahead of 17 other players. Both Karissa and Val only lost one match and their final placement was down to points scored in those losses.
“These types of tournaments are really fun and exciting as every point scored, especially those in a loss, counts toward the final rankings and prizes awarded,” Membership Director Steve Libring said. “Players give their best effort to achieve the maximum score and that results in some very close and competitive play.”
“The day was perfect,” Club President Mike Patton said. “Good competition on the courts, good fun between the players and friends off the courts, and of course the magical atmosphere of playing pickleball on the finest courts around.”
The club is working with the POA staff to hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the two new courts. The ribbon-cutting will be held on November 16 at 5 p.m. and will be followed by the club’s monthly social.
“All members of the community are invited to come down and see the new courts and then stay for the fun after the ceremony watching pickleball and socializing with their neighbors,” Libring said.
There will be a sign-up sheet for any community member wanting to receive a free lesson. “We walk players through the rules, the strategy, teach skills hitting and serving the ball, and even play a few games to help get the hang of it,” Libring said. “It’s a great way for neighbors to learn together and start their pickleball journey together.”
The club will also be hosting tournaments for new players only for those with a competitive spirit in 2024. “Now is the time to begin learning and enjoying this fast-growing sport,” Libring said.
For information about the Pickleball Club or lessons, contact Steve Libring at [email protected] or 951-760-3140.
