The Selkirk APP Collegiate National Championships wrapped up over the weekend, as the Selkirk-sponsored Utah Tech Trailblazers showcased their talents, earning numerous individual medals and a silver team finish in Cape Coral.
Monson earns double gold in doubles
Mary Monson earned two national titles last year, and she did so again this year. In women’s doubles, Monson paired up with Lauren Mercado for their first-ever tournament together and walked away with gold.
It was not without a tough fight: Monson/Mercado faced Ella Boydston and Team Selkirk’s Ashlee Searle Peterson in the final, setting up an all-Trailblazer matchup. Monson/Mercado won 11-8, 11-7 to claim the national title.
In mixed doubles, Monson paired up with Selkirk’s newly signed Liam Duffin. The duo have played together many times and have great on-court chemistry. Monson and Duffin’s path to gold was difficult, as they defeated teammates Lauren Mercado and Benson Parry, 11-7, 9-11, 12-10, before beating Florida Atlantic’s Bella Nelson and Alec Lamacchio in the final. Monson and Duffin denied Lamacchio a triple crown by winning the match 15-2.
Duffin earns bronze in men’s doubles
In a very competitive men’s doubles field, Duffin paired up with Clayton Boydston to earn bronze, finishing just behind the University of Texas’ Jack Munro and Eli Trumeter and Florida Atlantic’s Jayden Broderick and Alec Lamacchio.
Trailblazers earn a silver medal in the team event
The Trailblazers have been dominant all season long and proved why they are one of the best teams in the nation this past weekend. Liam Duffin, Clayton Boydston, Ella Boydston, and Lauren Mercado led the Trailblazers to a silver medal, narrowly losing to Florida Atlantic University.
The result capped off another impressive showing for Utah Tech, which continues to establish itself as one of the powerhouse programs in collegiate pickleball. With returning standouts like Monson, Duffin, and Mercado leading the way, the Trailblazers will look to maintain their dominance for seasons to come.
