David Zapatka/Don Simmons
David Zapatka
Sun Lakes Pickleball competitors played the ever popular Venture Out Pickleball Tournament November 17-19 in Mesa and brought home numerous medals.
In the 4.0 mixed division Sheila Parkinson and Steve Smitham had a strong tournament slicing, dinking and driving their way through a strong 4.0 field making their way to the finals of the winner’s bracket before losing their first match and ultimately winning the coveted bronze medal.
In their first 5.0 mixed division tournament, Dianne Zimmerman and David Zapatka fought their way to a bronze medal finish losing only to the gold and silver medalists in two closely contested three-game matches.
Sheila Parkinson and ex-Sun Laker Jeannine McKinna dominated the 4.0 Women’s division losing only one game in route to a day of undefeated matches.
In the men’s 4.5 division, reigning Venture Out men’s division winners David Zapatka and Don Simmons set out to defend their title in what turned out to be a very long day. Having survived three-game matches against every opponent they faced up to the gold medal match, they spent a lot of time on the courts as contestants in the field stepped up to take their shots at the title defenders. Not to be denied a repeat title, David and Don brought their best play of the day to dispense with the silver medal winners 11-7, 11-0.