Monday, March 18, 2024

Stein wins twice at 2024 USA Racquetball Intercollegiate Championships

Baldwin Wallace’s Julia Stein won Women’s #1 Singles and #1 Doubles with Angie Case at the 2024 USA Racquetball Intercollegiate Championships at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona on the weekend. Stein is the 10th women to win both #1 singles and doubles at Intercollegiates, and the first since Annie Roberts in 2022.

In singles, Stein defeated Erin Slutzky (Arizona State) in the final. She won the first game, 15-8, and was up 13-12 in game two, when Slutzky slammed her eyeguards into the floor after the rally. It seemed like that outburst was without cause, although watching the end of the rally again, Stein’s followthrough may have hit Slutzky in the face. But if so, Stein seemed oblivious to that.

Regardless, it was an odd end to the match.

Stein and Case’s doubles win was their second consecutive title. This time they defeated Chloe Hilsenteger and Katt Macgregor of Oregon State, 15-11, 13-15, 11-5, in the final. Hilsenteger and Macgregor’s 2nd place finish is an improvement on their 3rd place finish last year.

On the men's side, Benjamin Horner (Des Moines Area Community College) defeated Timothy Jack (Brigham Young University), 15-10, 9-15, 11-6, in the Men’s #1 Singles final. In the semi-finals, Jack defeated top seed Ariel Tito (Colorado State), who won the title in 2022, 14-15, 15-11, 11-7, while Horner beat Ben Baron (Creighton), who was the runner-up in 2022, 15-11, 15-4.

Tito did claim the Men's Doubles title, as he and Samuel Lazcano Ramirez came back to defeat Cody Boucher and Tucker Elkins (Oregon State), 6-15, 15-7, 11-3, in the final.

Team standings

Oregon State was the overall team winner, and men’s team winner. Brigham Young topped the women’s team standings (Oregon State was second), and they were second in the men’s and overall standings.

The other top schools were the University of Missouri (3rd in men’s, 4th in women’s, 3rd overall), Baldwin Wallace University (3rd in women’s, 5th overall) and Liberty University (5th in men’s, 4th overall).

Intercollegiate participation

There were 110 players at the 2024 Intercollegiate Championships, which was about the same as the 109 at the 2023 championships. That remains lower than the pre-pandemic numbers, which were regularly over 200.

The men to women participation rate was similar to last year with five more men and five fewer women, so 31.8% of the field were women, which is generally better than at most racquetball tournaments. If there were over 30% women participation in tournaments, tournaments would be much bigger.

Quiz!

As mentioned above, Julie Stein is the 10th women to win both #1 singles and doubles at Intercollegiates. Who are the other 9? One was mentioned above. The others are at the bottom of this post.

2024 USA Racquetball Intercollegiate Championships
Tempe, Arizona - March 14-16, 2024

(with seedings)

Women's Singles - Final

6) Julia Stein (Baldwin Wallace) d. 1) Erin Slutzky (Arizona State), 15-8, 13-12, injury forfeit

Women's Singles - 3rd Place

4) Megan Carver (Washington State) d. 2) Stephanie Cook (Brigham Young), 15-7, 15-0

Women's Singles - Semi-finals

1) Erin Slutzky (Arizona State) d. 4) Megan Carver (Washington State), 15-5, 15-11
6) Julia Stein (Baldwin Wallace) d. 2) Stephanie Cook (Brigham Young), 15-7, 11-15, 11-0

Women's Doubles - Final

1) Angie Case & Julia Stein (Baldwin Wallace) d. 2) Chloe Hilsenteger & Katt Macgregor (Oregon State), 15-11, 13-15, 11-5

Women's Doubles - 3rd Place

4) Ashlyn Bell & Stephanie Cook (Brigham Young) d. 3) Zoe Browning & Gabbie Roseman (Missouri), 15-4, 15-3

Women's Doubles - Semi-finals

1) Angie Case & Julia Stein (Baldwin Wallace) d. 4) Ashlyn Bell & Stephanie Cook (Brigham Young), 10-15, 15-8, 11-7
2) Chloe Hilsenteger & Katt Macgregor (Oregon State) d. 3) Zoe Browning & Gabbie Roseman (Missouri), 15-8, 15-6

Men's Singles - Final

3) Benjamin Horner (Des Moines Area Community College) d. 4) Timothy Jack (Brigham Young University), 15-10, 9-15, 11-6

Men's Singles - 3rd Place

1) Ariel Tito (Colorado State) d. 2) Ben Baron (Creighton), forfeit

Men's Singles - Semi-finals

4) Timothy Jack (Brigham Young University) d. 1) Ariel Tito (Colorado State), 14-15, 15-11, 11-7
3) Benjamin Horner (Des Moines Area Community College) d. 2) Ben Baron (Creighton), 15-11, 15-4

Men's Doubles - Final

2) Samuel Lazcano Ramirez & Ariel Tito (Colorado State) d. 1) Cody Boucher & Tucker Elkins (Oregon State), 6-15, 15-7, 11-3

Men's Doubles - 3rd Place

3) Timothy Jack & Bryce Palmer (Brigham Young University) d. 5) Edwin Miller & Ryan Sanner (Missouri), 15-11, 15-4

Men's Doubles - Semi-finals

1) Cody Boucher & Tucker Elkins (Oregon State) d. Edwin Miller & Ryan Sanner (Missouri), 15-7, 15-10
2) Samuel Lazcano Ramirez & Ariel Tito (Colorado State) d. 3) Timothy Jack & Bryce Palmer (Brigham Young University), 15-5, 15-2

2024 Intercollegiate Championship - Team standings

Men’s Team

1. Oregon State University - 1444
2. Brigham Young University - 1175
3. University of Missouri - 1115
4. Colorado State University - 765
5. Liberty University - 623

Women’s Team

1. Brigham Young University - 955
2. Oregon State University - 854
3. Baldwin Wallace University - 575
4. University of Missouri - 277
5. Arizona State University - 210

Overall Team

1. Oregon State University - 2298
2. Brigham Young University - 2130
3. University of Missouri - 1392
4. Liberty University - 789
4. Baldwin Wallace University - 779

USA Racquetball Intercollegiate Champions

Women's Singles

2024

1) Julia Stein (Baldwin Wallace)
2) Erin Slutzky (Arizona State)
3) Megan Carver (Washington State)
4) Stephanie Cook (Brigham Young)

2023

1) Annie Roberts (Pacific)
2) Andrea Ibarra (New Mexico)
3) Stephanie Cook (Brigham Young)
4) Katt Macgregor (Oregon State)

2022

1) Annie Roberts (Pacific)
2) Shane Diaz (Northeast Lakeview College)
3) Julia Stein (Baldwin Wallace)
4) Kate Zawalski (Missouri)

2019

1) Hollie Scott (Washington)
2) Carla Muñoz (Colorado State, Pueblo)
3) Erika Manilla (Northern Arizona)
4) Melania Sauma (Arizona State)

2018

1) Carla Muñoz (Colorado State)
2) Erika Manilla (Northern Arizona)
3) Hollie Scott (Washington)
4) Lexi York (Oregon State)

2017

1) Carla Muñoz (Colorado State)
2) Melania Sauma (Arizona State)
3) Lexi York (Oregon State)
4) Katie Nieswiadomy (Texas A&M)

2016

1) Carla Muñoz (Las Positas)
2) Kelani Bailey (Shenandoah)
3) Lexi York (Oregon State)
4) Devon Pimentelli (Bellevue College)

2015

1) Kelani Bailey (Shenandoah)
2) Elizabeth Simmons (Arizona)
3) Hannah Shnurman (Northern Colorado)
4) Rachel Creel (Oregon State)

2014

1) Devon Pimentelli (Canada College)
2) Amanda Lindsay (Oregon State)
3) Samantha Simmons (Maryland)
4) Elizabeth Simmons (Arizona)

2013

1) Kelani Bailey (Shenandoah)
2) Danielle Key (Arizona State)
3) Amanda Lindsay (Oregon State)
4) Kelly Gremley (Purdue)

2012

1) Sharon Jackson (Alabama)
2) Danielle Key (Arizona State)
3) Sheryl Lotts (Baldwin Wallace)
4) Hailey Miller (Oregon)

2011

1) Michelle Key (Arizona State)
2) Sharon Jackson (Univ. of Alabama)
3) Sheryl Lotts (Baldwin Wallace)
4) Kelly Gremley (Purdue)

2010

1) Sharon Jackson (Univ. of Alabama)
2) Michelle Key (Univ. of Arizona)
3) Sheryl Lotts (Baldwin Wallace)
4) Ashley Willhite (Oregon State)

2009

1) Sheryl Lotts (Baldwin Wallace)
2) Kara Mazer (University of Alabama)
3) Ashley Willhite (Oregon State)
4) Teresa Diaz (Delta College)

2008

1) Kara Mazer (University of Alabama)
2) Sarah Hettesheimer (Baldwin Wallace)
3) Ashley Willhite (Oregon State)
4) Sue Sublaban (Delta College)

2007

1) Kimberly Irons (Ohio University)
2) Jesi Fuller (University of New Mexico)
3) Da'monique Davis (University of Alabama)
4) Sarah Hettesheimer (Baldwin Wallace)

2006

1) Adrienne Fisher (University of Alabama)
2) Ashley Legget (Oregon State)
3) Jesi Fuller (University of New Mexico)
4) Allison Dauer (North Carolina)

Women's Doubles

2024

1) Angie Case & Julia Stein (Baldwin Wallace)
2) Chloe Hilsenteger & Katt Macgregor (Oregon State)
3) Ashlyn Bell & Stephanie Cook (Brigham Young)
4) Zoe Browning & Gabbie Roseman (Missouri)

2023

1) Angie Case & Julia Stein (Baldwin Wallace)
2) Abby Lachance & Kate Zawalski (Missouri)
3) Chloe Hilsenteger & Katt Macgregor (Oregon State)
4) Rebekah Barney & Stephanie Cook (Brigham Young)

2022

1) Alondra Canchola & Annie Roberts (Pacific)
2) Abby Lachance & Kate Zawalski (Missouri)
3) Faith Malek & Julia Stein (Baldwin Wallace)
4) Autumn Lewis & Katt Macgregor (Oregon State)

2019

1) Brenda Laime & Adriana Riveros (Colorado State, Pueblo)
2) Natalie Lorati & Lexi York (Oregon State)
3) Elyse Duffie & Elena Robles (Purdue)
4) Lindsay Briglia & Erika Manilla (Northern Arizona)

2018

1) Erin Boadway & Erika Manilla (Northern Arizona)
2) Natalie Lorati & Lexi York (Oregon State)
3) Kayla Day & Carla Muñoz (Colorado State)
4) Tylynn Barker & Courtnie Duncan (Utah State)

2017

1) Erin Boadway & Erika Manilla (Northern Arizona)
2) Samantha Baker & Carla Muñoz (Colorado State)
3) Erica Lipski & Lexi York (Oregon State)
4) Madeline Gauch & Christina Hughes (Missouri)

2016

1) Erica Lipski & Lexi York (Oregon State)
2) Jordan Giljum & Madeline Gauch (Missouri)
3) Jessilee Loucks & Lindsey Raven (Brigham Young)
4) Alexis Templeton & Antonia Duran (New Mexico)

2015

1) Elizabeth Simmons & Lindsay Rasmussen (Arizona)
2) Rachel Creel & Sarah Lewis (Oregon State)
3) Anna Schwartz & Madeline Gauch (Missouri)
4) Stefanie Nissley & Kerry Ryan (Pennsylvania State)

2014

1) Elizabeth Simmons & Lindsay Rasmussen (Arizona)
2) Amanda Lindsay & Karissa Beatty (Oregon State)
3) Anna Schwartz & Rachel Schmidt (Missouri)
4) Adrienne Schneider & Sara Moulton (Brigham Young)

2013

1) Danielle Key & Devon Pimentelli (Arizona State)
2) Amanda Lindsay & Karissa Beatty (Oregon State)
3) Elizabeth Simmons & Lindsay Rasmussen (Arizona)
4) Eliza Culverwell & Mary Culverwell (Brigham Young)

2012

1) Madeleine Angles & Sharon Jackson (University of Alabama)
2) Molly Haragan & Sheryl Lotts (Baldwin Wallace)
3) Danielle Key & Izayadeth Aguayo (Arizona State)
4) Leah Redwine & Hailey Miller (University Of Oregon)

2011

1) Sharon Jackson & Brittany Travers (University of Alabama)
2) Sheryl Lotts & Tracy Hawthorne (Baldwin Wallace)
3) Hailey Miller & Leah Redwine (University of Oregon)
4) Izayadeth Aguayo & Michelle Key (Arizona State)

2010

1) Sharon Jackson & Kara Mazur (University of Alabama)
2) Sheryl Lotts & Tracy Hawthorne (Baldwin Wallace)
3) Haley Strom & Holly Hettesheimer (University Of Cincinnati)
4) Izayadeth Aguayo & Michelle Key (Arizona State)

2009

1) Sharon Jackson & Kara Mazer (University of Alabama)
2) Sarah Hettesheimer & Sheryl Lotts (Baldwin Wallace)
3) Alyssa Asay & Ashley Willhite (Oregon State)
4) Eliza Culverwell & Charlotte Macfarlane (Brigham Young)

2008

1) Alyssa Asay & Ashley Willhite (Oregon State)
2) Mallory Parry & Darla Wenger (Brigham Young)
3) Sarah Hettesheimer & Tyler Fridley (Baldwin Wallace)
4) Kara Mazer & Brittany Travers (University of Alabama)

2007

1) Da'monique Davis & Kara Mazer (University of Alabama)
2) Sarah Hettesheimer & Kristin Matushevski (Baldwin Wallace)
3) Michelle Key & Jessica Montemayor (Arizona State)
4) Mallory Parry & Katherine Affeltranger (Brigham Young)

2006

1) Ashley Legget & Ashley Willhite (Oregon State)
2) Da'monique Davis & Kelley Fisher (University of Alabama)
3) Jesi Fuller & Natalie Alexia Lopez (New Mexico State)
4) Gretchen Miller & Kristen Karl (Pennsylvania State)

Men's Singles

2024

1) Benjamin Horner (Des Moines Area Community College)
2) Timothy Jack (Brigham Young University)
3) Ariel Tito (Colorado State)
4) Ben Baron (Creighton)

2023

1) John Dowell (Missouri)
2) Nathan Buring (Oregon State)
3) Arthur Schmeiser (Northern Arizona)
4) Timothy Jack (Brigham Young University)

2022

1) Arial Tito (Colorado State, Pueblo)
2) Ben Baron (Northern Arizona)
3) Jeremy Dixon (Adler)
4) John Dowell (Missouri)

2019

1) Erik Garcia (Colorado State, Pueblo)
2) Alejandro Almada (Texas)
3) Jeremy Dixon (Baldwin Wallace)
4) Jacob Matthews (East Carolina)

2018

1) Erik Garcia (Colorado State, Pueblo)
2) Alejandro Almada (Texas)
3) Sam Bredenbeck (Oregon State)
4) Kyle Ulliman (Baldwin Wallace)

2017

1) Thomas Carter (Baldwin Wallace)
2) Erik Garcia (Colorado State, Pueblo)
3) Adam Manilla (Colorado)
4) Mauro Rojas (Delta College)

2016

1) Marco Rojas (University of the Pacific)
2) David Horn (California State-Hayward)
3) Thomas Carter (Baldwin Wallace)
4) Brad Schopieray (Colorado State, Pueblo)

2015

1) Adam Manilla (Colorado)
2) Marco Rojas (University of the Pacific)
3) Dylan Reid (Washington University)
4) Brad Schopieray (Colorado State, Pueblo)

2014

1) Jose Diaz (Delta College)
2) Nick Montalbano (Colorado State, Pueblo)
3) Adam Manilla (Colorado State)
4) Joel Barshaw (Oregon State)

2013

1) Taylor Knoth (Oregon State)
2) Nick Montalbano (Colorado State, Pueblo)
3) Cole Burr (Brigham Young)
4) Jordan Matthews (North Carolina State)

2012

1) Jansen Allen (Colorado State, Pueblo)
2) Taylor Knoth (Oregon State)
3) John Craig Chisholm (Boston Univ.)
4) Jose Diaz (Delta College)

2011

1) Taylor Knoth (Oregon State)
2) Nick Montalbano (Colorado State, Pueblo)
3) Danny Lavely (Univ. of Alabama)
4) John Craig Chisholm (Boston Univ.)

2010

1) Jose Rojas (Delta College)
2) Taylor Knoth (Univ. of Oregon)
3) Joey Lakowske (Oregon State)
4) Allan Crockett (Univ. of Alabama)

2009

1) Jose Rojas (Delta College)
2) Allan Crockett (University of Alabama)
3) Tony Carson (Colorado State)
4) Anthony Herrera (University of Colorado, Colorado Springs)

2008

1) Tony Carson (Colorado State, Pueblo)
2) Anthony Herrera (University of Colorado, Colorado Springs)
3) Bradly Rogers (Wichita)
4) Allan Crockett (University of Alabama)

2007

1) Ben Croft (Colorado State, Pueblo)
2) Agustin Tristan (University of Alabama)
3) Evan Ussery (University of New Mexico)
4) Phil Matthews (University of Illinois)

2006

1) Ben Croft (Colorado State, Pueblo)
2) Agustin Tristan (University of Alabama)
3) Mike Harmon (Manatee Community College)
4) Louis Vogel (University of New Mexico)

Men's Doubles

2024

1) Samuel Lazcano Ramirez & Ariel Tito (Colorado State)
2) Cody Boucher & Tucker Elkins (Oregon State)
3) Timothy Jack & Bryce Palmer (Brigham Young University)
4) Edwin Miller & Ryan Sanner (Missouri)

2023

1) Cody Boucher & Nathan Buring (Oregon State)
2) Patrick Biegun & Arthur Schmeiser (Northern Arizona)
3) Timothy Jack & Bryce Palmer (Brigham Young University)
4) Trevor Melton & Garrison Walker (Liberty University)

2022

1) Ben Baron & Arthur Schmeiser (Northern Arizona)
2) Samuel Lazcano Ramirez & Arial Tito (Colorado State, Pueblo)
3) Cody Boucher & Nathan Buring (Oregon State)
4) John Dowell & James Storgion (Missouri)

2019

1) Erik Garcia & Lukas Le (Colorado State, Pueblo)
2) Alejandro Almada & Jerry Yang (Texas)
3) Jeremy Dixon & Daniel Herrera (Baldwin Wallace)
4) Nathan Buring & Nick Buring (Oregon State)

2018

1) Justus Benson & Erik Garcia (Colorado State, Pueblo)
2) Jeremy Dixon & Kyle Ulliman (Baldwin Wallace)
3) Sam Bredenbeck & Alexander DeHart (Oregon State)
4) Alejandro Almada & Jerry Yang (Texas)

2017

1) Thomas Carter & Manolo Sandoval (Baldwin Wallace)
2) Erik Garcia & Brad Schopieray (Colorado State, Pueblo)
3) Adam Manilla & Nick Riffel (Colorado)
4) Mauro Rojas & Francisco Troncoso (Delta College)

2016

1) Jose Diaz & Marco Rojas (University of the Pacific)
2) Jeremy McGlothin & Brad Schopieray (Colorado State, Pueblo)
3) Thomas Carter & Manolo Sandoval (Baldwin Wallace)
4) Matt McAdam & Nick Riffel (Colorado)

2015

1) Adam Manilla & Nick Riffel (Colorado)
2) Jacob Matthews & Brad Schopieray (Colorado State, Pueblo)
3) Joel Bradshow & Sam Reid (Oregon State)
4) Jon Lanford & Alex Howard (Texas)

2014

1) Felipe Camacho & Brad Schopieray (Colorado State, Pueblo)
2) Adam Manilla & Nick Riffel (Colorado State)
3) Joel Bradshow & Sam Reid (Oregon State)
4) Danny Sardina & Zachary Patterson (Arizona State)

2013

1) Taylor Knoth & Joel Bradshow (Oregon State)
2) Nick Montalbano & Jake Bredenbeck (Colorado State, Pueblo)
3) Cole Burr & Brian Zundel (Brigham Young)
4) Alex Fischler & Joe Koch (Missouri)

2012

1) Jansen Allen & Nick Montalbano (Colorado State, Pueblo)
2) Grant Stalley & Taylor Knoth (Oregon State)
3) Brad Falvey & Danny Lavely (Alabama)
4) Cole Burr & Joseph Blank (Brigham Young)

2011

1) Felipe Camacho & Jansen Allen (Colorado State, Pueblo)
2) Allan Crockett & Danny Lavely (University of Alabama)
3) Joey Pryor & Taylor Knoth (Oregon State)
4) Jeff Skanchy & Joseph Blank (Brigham Young)

2010

1) David Horn & Jose Rojas (Delta College)
2) Jansen Allen & Tyler Otto (Colorado State)
3) Allan Crockett & Jonathan Doyle (University of Alabama)
4) David Laforest & Joey Lakowske (Oregon State)

2009

1) Tony Carson & Jansen Allen (Colorado State)
2) Jose Rojas & Ismael Aldana Jr. (Delta College)
3) Allan Crockett & Jonathan Doyle (University of Alabama)
4) Harry Fuller & Zach Apperson (Baldwin Wallace)

2008

1) Tony Carson & Charlie Pratt (Colorado State)
2) Harry Fuller & Zach Apperson (Baldwin Wallace)
3) David Laforest & Joey Lakowske (Oregon State)
4) Allan Crockett & Jonathan Doyle (University of Alabama)

2007

1) Ben Croft & Mitch Williams (Colorado State)
2) Chris Crockett & Shane Karmelin (University of Alabama)
3) Harry Fuller & Zach Apperson (Baldwin Wallace)
4) Marco Hidalgo & Evan Ussery (New Mexico State)

2006

1) Ben Croft & Mitch Williams (Colorado State)
2) Augustin Tristan & Shane Karmelin (University of Alabama)
3) Scott Perryman & Jared Torres (Brigham Young)
4) Joe Linnell & Benjamin Toth (Ohio State)

Quiz answers!

The 10 women to win both #1 singles and doubles at Intercollegiates: Julia Stein (2024), Annie Roberts (2022), Sharon Jackson (2012, 2010), Adrienne Fisher (2005), Kristen Walsh (2004, 2001), Krystal Csuk (2002), Susana Acosta (2000), Kerri Stoffregen (later Wachtel) (1994), Robin Levine (1988) and Crystal Fried (1985).

Follow the bouncing ball....

Gastelum wins Men's Open at 39th Annual Papa Nicholas Shamrock Shootout

Diego Gastelum won Men’s Open at the 39th Annual Papa Nicholas Shamrock Shootout in Lombard, Illinois, on Sunday. He defeated Jhonatan Flores, 15-10, 10-15, 11-7, in a final featuring two young Bolivians. In the semi-finals, Gastelum defeated veteran Mauricio Zelada, 15-13, 15-12, and Flores beat Carlos Ramirez, 15-5, 15-6.

Flores impressed in the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) draw in Illinois, as he came within four points of defeating Kane Waselenchuk in the quarterfinals. Thus, it was no surprise to see him in the Men’s Open final.

However, Gastelum’s win suggests we should also be paying attention to him as well.

Upcoming events

The 2024 Pan American Championships will begin this Saturday, March 23, in Guatemala City, Guatemala, and will run until the following Saturday, March 30. We’ll have a preview for you later this week. But you can be certain that there will be some great racquetball matches coming up in Guatemala.

The Pan Am Championships mean an “international break” in the pro tour schedules. The IRT’s next confirmed main event is the Costa Rica Open, June 12-15, although there was a hint that they will play in California in late May, and there is a “TBD” event listed on the IRT site for May 23-26.

The Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour’s (LPRT’s) next event is the Battle at the Alamo, April 25-28, in San Antonio, Texas. That could be very well attended, as San Antonio will host the 2024 International Racquetball Federation World Championships in August, so some players may want to get a chance to play on the courts that will host Worlds.

39th Annual Papa Nicholas Shamrock Shootout
Lombard, Illinois - March 14-17, 2024

Men’s Open Singles - Final

4) Diego Gastelum d. 10) Jhonatan Flores, 15-10, 10-15, 11-7

Semi-finals

4) Diego Gastelum d. 1) Mauricio Zelada, 15-13, 15-12
10) Jhonatan Flores d. 14) Carlos Ramirez, 15-5, 15-6

Quarterfinals

1) Mauricio Zelada d. 8) Victor Migliore, 10-15 15-6, 11-2
4) Diego Gastelum d. 12) Luis Aguilar, 15-13, 15-4

14) Carlos Ramirez d. 11) Jeremy Dixon, 15-5, 8-15, 11-3
10) Jhonatan Flores d. 2) Jordy Alonso, 15-14, 15-10

Follow the bouncing ball….

Sunday, March 17, 2024

Waselenchuk, Manilla & Parrilla all win again at 39th Annual Papa Nicholas IRT Shamrock Shootout

Kane Waselenchuk beat Conrrado Moscoso, 15-9, 15-6, to win the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) 39th Annual Papa Nicholas Shamrock Shootout in Lombard, Illinois, Sunday. It’s his second consecutive title, and the first time since 2020 that he’s won back to back IRT titles. Moscoso came in as the #1 IRT player, and Waselenchuk #8, although the win should move Waselenchuk up a couple of spots in the rankings.

It was #1 versus #2 in the doubles final, as top seeds Adam Manilla and Andree Parrilla squared off against 2nd seeds Rodrigo Montoya and Erick Trujillo. Manilla and Parrilla won, but they needed three games to claim the victory, winning 15-7, 7-15, 11-6. It’s also Manilla and Parrilla’s second consecutive doubles title.

At the start of game one of the singles final, it looked like Moscoso might win, as he took an early 3-0 lead. Waselenchuk then scored five straight points to lead 5-3. Moscoso tied it at 5-5, and they were also tied at 6-6.

Then Waselenchuk went ahead, and when he got to 10-4, Moscoso called a timeout. He managed to get back within two points at 11-9, but a winning serve return by Waselenchuk off a Moscoso drive serve to the left side - the lefthanded Waselenchuk’s forehand - then led to four straight points on as many rallies, which ended game one at 15-9.

Mosocso also had a lead early in game two at 4-3. But Waselenchuk tied it at 4-4, and pushed on to lead 10-4, and put the writing on the wall.

He finished the match off with back to back drive serve aces to the left side of the court (Mosoco’s backhand).

”I felt like I was in control the whole match,” Waselenchuk said afterwards. “It’s nice to be champ again. Funny to think that no one thought I’d … [win again], and here I am [winning] two tournaments in a row. Boy, were you guys wrong. I like proving everybody wrong.”

Could Waselenchuk finish #1 again on tour? He said “I like the competition. I like the challenge. It’s a new challenge for me,” and he has to play guys “half my age.”

We never advised of betting against Waselenchuk when he was in his prime, and we don’t advise betting against him now.

The next confirmed IRT main event is the Costa Rica Open, June 12-15, although after the doubles match Manilla said that he’d see everyone in southern California in late May, and there is a “TBD” event listed on the IRT site for May 23-26. If you missed any of the action from Illinois - and Waselenchuk’s performances are worth seeing or seeing again - check out the usual IRT media outlets: The IRT YouTube channel or the IRT Facebook page. All times Central.

39th Annual Papa Nicholas IRT Shamrock Shootout
Lombard, Illinois - March 14-17, 2024

IRT Singles - Final - Sunday

6) Kane Waselenchuk d. 1) Conrrado Moscoso, 15-9, 15-6

IRT Singles - Semi-finals - Saturday

1) Conrrado Moscoso d. 4) Andree Parrilla, 15-12, 15-5

6) Kane Waselenchuk d. 7) Andrés Acuña, 15-4, 15-11

IRT Doubles - Final - Sunday

1) Adam Manilla & Andree Parrilla d. 2) Rodrigo Montoya & Erick Trujillo, 15-7, 7-15, 11-6

IRT Doubles - Semi-finals - Saturday

1) Adam Manilla & Andree Parrilla d. 4) Andrés Acuña & Alan Natera, 15-11, 15-10
2) Rodrigo Montoya & Erick Trujillo d. 3) Kadim Carrasco & Conrrado Moscoso, 15-14, 15-10

Follow the bouncing ball….