Tournament season ends with Mixed Doubles
Tournament director Mick Pearce receives thanks from EPC President Bob Kerr as Sally Griggs applauds.
The biggest loss of Saturday’s EPC Mixed Doubles at Marshdale was Mick Pearce’s departure as tournament director. It was a win in every other way, as 16 teams engaged in spirited but often light-hearted competition.
Coming out on top in Group 1 were Brian Eiselt and Kym Forgrave over Frank Kassay and Kathryn Cook. In Group 2, it was a Ed Vaughn and Gina Sharpe, eking it out after a long, hard battle with Ryan Gibbs and Noell Jackson.
Third place in Group 1 went to Giuliano Hofling and Rae Boyce. Diane and Dan Goldstein took third in Group 2.
Mick headed up another successful tournament, the sixth and final of 2025. That’s a lot of tournaments, and we sometimes had trouble filling the available slots. Your EPC board will be evaluating this tournament season and what happens next season, so be sure to share your thoughts with each other and board members.
Mick’s heir apparent is Roger Miles, who promises to carry on Mick’s three-year legacy of notably well-run tournaments.
Getting back to Saturday’s event, it was sponsored by Gig Blitz of Gig Blitz Homes. She has been a loyal and supportive friend of EPC for years and we are grateful for it. She and partner David Smith did not end up on the podium this time, but the drinks and snacks she provided along with generous sponsorship money were much appreciated.
Group 1, from left: Kathryn Cook and Frank Kassay in front row, David Smith and Gig Blitz in back row, Rae Boyce and Giuliano Hofling (squatting), Sima Ali and Keith Sapp in pink, Linda Strauss with Larry Flowers, Liz Stensing and Chris Courim, Bryan Eiselt and Kym Forgrave, Roger Miles and Linda Jacobsen.
Frank Kassay launches into the tournament with a full head of steam, and hair.
Group 2: From left: Susan Dickenson and Pat Bixenmann, Diane and Dan Goldstein, Kathy Fasold and Dick Dench, Noell Jackson and Ryan Gibbs, Lisa Morrow and Gil Cardenas, Nancy Byker and Don Marshall, Gina Sharpe and Ed Vaughn (kneeling), Jerry Mogab and Jerry Beth Owen.
Frank Kassay, left, and David Smith discuss camping plans, according to eavesdropping.
Group 1: Sponsor Gig Blitz congratulates Kym Forgrave and Bryan Eiselt on their championship.
Kym elevates her game on the way to first place with Bryan.
Group 2: First place, Ed Vaughn and Gina Sharpe with Mick.
Hugs and smiles are on display after Ed and Gina edge out Ryan and Noell.
Group 1: Second place, Kathryn Cook and Frank Kassay with Mick.
Kathryn also got off the ground in her match(es) with Frank.
The Group 1 championship paddle tap.
Group 2: Second place, Noell Jackson and Ryan Gibbs with Mick.
Group 1: Third place, Rae Boyce and Giuliano Hofling with Gig and Mick.
It’s on.
Group 2: Third place, Diane and Dan Goldstein with Sukha and Mick.
Dan and Diane enjoy a good play.
Liz Stensing and Chris Courim prepare for competition on a cool morning at Marshdale.
There was a great spread in the pavilion, but Gig Blitz brought along some extra treats including ice-cold coffee and beer.
Group 2 scorekeeper Sarah German and Pat Bixenmann discuss as Dick Dench looks on. Pat Theno was the scorekeeper for Group 1.
Well hello, Larry. Nice sunglasses.
Dick Dench and Kathy Fasold confer during a timeout.
Don Marshall and Nancy Byker, as well as Gina Sharpe, were all smiles on the bleachers while Ed Vaughn was his usual subdued self.
Bonnie Lee, left, and Lindy Groscurth were part of the group that stepped in to help Jeri Herskovits provide food for the tournament. Jeri was sidelined by a “mishap” that resulted in a badly broken arm (not pickleball-related). Brian Pilcher, Jerry Beth Owen, Sally Griggs and Pat Theno made it happen along with Bonnie and Lindy.
Jerry Mogab seemed pretty happy with the food available in the pavilion.
Paul Fischer makes use of his new club jacket as Jim Mosby racks up the sale.
Sima Ali and Keith Sapp are ready to attack.
Major EPC sponsor Gig Blitz and club President Bob Kerr had a lot to talk about.
Sima and Keith enjoy a post-match beverage.
Linda Jacobsen, left, and Kathy Fasold appreciate all Mick Pearce has done for Evergreen Pickleball Club. I think his nonverbal replay was “Right back at ya.”
Noell Jackson and Ryan Gibbs face off with Dan and Diane Goldstein.
Ed Vaughn’s footwear helped put him a step above the competition in Group 2.
That’s a wrap. Monte Poague, EPC facilities and equipment director, prepares to store Gig’s banner in the newly relocated shed provided by EPRD. Thanks, EPRD!
