Special to The Desert Sun

For the first time this season, all 12 National Pickle League teams met in Austin for weekend No. 4 of competition. Thus far the teams have played in two separate locations this season, with rotating opponents, in an effort to cut down on travel.

For the first time this season, the NPL instituted paddle testing using a standard approved by USA Pickleball to accommodate the “quiet” OWL paddle. Most players were pleased to see their paddles get a green sticker, some received a yellow “warning” sticker, and only a few were not approved for competition.

Saturday was all business as the Scorpions opened their morning team battle at Pickleland against the Oklahoma City (OKC) Punishers, a first weekend opponent in Los Angeles that ended in a 6-6 draw that was awarde

See Full Page