Walker And Scarpa Dominate New England PPA Challenger With Triple Crown Victories

May 13

Angie Walker and Anderson Scarpa showcased commanding form at the New England PPA Challenger over the weekend, each claiming a Triple Crown in Westbrook, Maine. Held at The Picklr, the event saw both players assert their dominance across all three competitive categories: singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.

Singles Brilliance Sets The Stage

Walker and Scarpa both kicked off the weekend in style by capturing the singles titles on Friday. For Walker, the victory was a reflection of months of disciplined training and strategic adjustments.

“I’m so, so excited. The goal of coming here was to win my matches and put some things I’ve been practicing to work, and I’m just really happy,” Walker shared following her singles triumph. “There’s no substitute for the pressure of match play. It forces you to stay composed, make quick decisions, and manage the nerves. It’s invaluable experience.”

Scarpa echoed a similar sentiment, noting the significance of his singles win in boosting his confidence ahead of upcoming events.

Dominance In Doubles

Saturday brought a fresh set of challenges, but both Walker and Scarpa remained unfazed. Partnering with her sister Alex, Walker clinched the women’s doubles title in a convincing display of teamwork and tactical finesse.

Meanwhile, Scarpa joined forces with Greg Dow to secure the men’s doubles crown. The pair exhibited exceptional synergy, overpowering their opponents with a mix of aggressive net play and calculated baseline rallies.

“I came here to get the Triple Crown, honestly, and it feels good to have accomplished that goal,” Scarpa said after the doubles final. “When you’re competing against top seeds at the main PPA events, it can be tough to get into a rhythm early on. Tournaments like this provide a valuable opportunity to work through match scenarios and build momentum.”

Triple Crown Sealed With Mixed Doubles Triumph

The climax of the weekend came on Sunday, when Walker and Scarpa joined forces to dominate the mixed doubles event. Their partnership proved formidable, as they stormed through the draw to capture the final piece of their Triple Crown campaign.

“Every match was a battle, but the chemistry we had out there was undeniable,” said Walker. “Anderson and I trust each other’s instincts on court, and that trust made all the difference in those high-pressure moments.”

For Scarpa, the mixed doubles victory not only solidified his stellar weekend but also fueled his drive as he prepares for the upcoming Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships.

“We feel ready for Atlanta now,” Scarpa said. “Getting in so many matches this weekend was crucial. It’s about building confidence and fine-tuning strategies, and this event was the perfect warm-up.”

Highlight Reel Moment: Max Wild’s Shot Steals The Show

While Walker and Scarpa walked away with the silverware, it was Max Wild who delivered what many are calling the shot of the weekend—and potentially the shot of the year on the PPA Tour. The crowd at The Picklr erupted as Wild executed a jaw-dropping, behind-the-back winner that left spectators and opponents stunned.

Challenger Series: The Road To The PPA Showdown

The New England PPA Challenger marks just one of 12 stops on the PPA Challenger Series Tour, where players have the opportunity to accumulate vital ranking points.

At the end of the season, the four players with the highest rankings in each event will qualify for the PPA Challenger Showdown, set to take place at the 2025 Pickleball World Championships in Dallas, Texas.

The stakes are high, as the winners of the PPA Challenger Showdown will secure coveted PPA Tour contracts, opening doors to even greater competitive opportunities and elevating their status in the professional pickleball circuit.

Looking Ahead: Walker And Scarpa Eye Atlanta

With the Triple Crown sweep now under their belts, both Walker and Scarpa are poised to carry their momentum into the Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships, where they will once again team up in mixed doubles and pursue further singles and doubles success.

As the Challenger Series heats up, the path to the PPA Showdown is becoming increasingly competitive. With stellar performances like those delivered in Maine, Walker and Scarpa are proving they have what it takes to contend for top honors on the PPA Tour.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Challenger Series continues and the race to Dallas intensifies.