Rain or Shine: Third Annual Independence Smash a Weekend to Remember

Weather challenges couldn't stop one of LTP's summer traditions as players competed both indoors and outdoors during a memorable tournament weekend

The Third Annual Independence Smash brought nearly 150 players together July 17-19 for a weekend filled with competitive matches, great sportsmanship, and plenty of memorable moments. While the tournament has traditionally been held outdoors at Edgewood Tennis Club in Raynham, Mother Nature had other plans this year.

Rather than let the weather dampen the weekend, tournament organizers adapted on the fly, splitting play between Edgewood Tennis Club and LTP Pickleball. The combination of indoor and outdoor venues kept the tournament on schedule and ensured players could focus on what they came for—great pickleball.

Independence Smash 2026 Gold Medalists

With multiple skill divisions and event formats throughout the weekend, competitors of all levels had the opportunity to test their game, meet new playing partners, and battle for medals. From close championship matches to hard-fought consolation rounds, every bracket showcased the energy and camaraderie that have made the Independence Smash a summer favorite.

Tournament Winners

Some competitors made multiple trips to the podium. Congratulations to Leeanne Dillmann, Lauren Hopp, Jay Locke, Lisa McChesney, Janelle Mullen, Patrick Mullen, Bonnie Rivers, and Frank Zheng, who each earned medals in more than one event during the weekend. Their performances highlighted both consistency and versatility across multiple divisions.

Medalists listed below in left to right order

Men's Singles

• Gold: Evan Jacobson

• Silver: Frank Zheng

• Bronze: Tom Do

Women's Singles

• Gold: Lauren Altman

• Silver: Leslie Jenkins

• Bronze: Mel Hamilton

Co-Ed Singles

• Gold: Jon Hegarty

• Silver: Jay Locke

• Bronze: Kai Hui-Derouin

Women's Doubles 3.0 & Under

• Gold: Dottie Beattie & Margie Alvarado

• Silver: Becky Bast & Jaime Kaufman

• Bronze: Michelle Dichiara & Lynn Volpini

Women's Doubles 3.0 - 3.5

• Gold: Janelle Mullen & Alyssa Tarentino

• Silver: Laura Jean Mann & Mel Morley

• Bronze: Jean Riedel & Kayla Tran

Women's Doubles 3.5 - 4.0

• Gold: Emily Halkett & Georgette King

• Silver: Bonnie Rivers & Shannon Salisbury

• Bronze: Lauren Hopp & Stefania Lawton

Women's Doubles 4.0 & Above

• Gold: Lisa McChesney & Leeanne Dillmann

• Silver: Xena Xiong & Lorette McWilliams

• Bronze: Meghan Sutherland & Olivia Yang

Men's Doubles 3.0 - 3.5

• Gold: Roger Pires & Bob Rego

• Silver: Christopher Azar & Frank Zheng

• Bronze: Peter Weise & Manny DeAndrade

Men's Doubles 3.5 - 4.0

• Gold: Shivang Chopra & Saurabh Kharkar

• Silver: AJ Guthro & Zakary Keathley

• Bronze: Patrick Mullen & Colin Fyffe

Men's Doubles 4.0 & Above

• Gold: Austin Nappi & William Erickson

• Silver: Tony Zangari & James Gunipero

• Bronze: Ryan Tarentino & Jake Queeney

Mixed Doubles 3.0 - 3.5

• Gold: Paige Davis & Matt Petersen

• Silver: Janelle Mullen & Patrick Mullen

• Bronze: N C & Rajiv Gandhi

Mixed Doubles 3.5 - 4.0

• Gold: Carol Leurini & Dan Devereaux

• Silver: Lauren Hopp & Andrew Scardina

• Bronze: Bonnie Rivers & Clyde Matta

Mixed Doubles 4.0 & Above

• Gold: Lisa McChesney & Jay Locke

• Silver: Stephanie Brandenburg & Evan Marks

• Bronze: Leeanne Dillmann & John Lobo

A special thank you goes out to all of the players, volunteers, referees, and staff who embraced the last-minute venue adjustments and helped make the tournament another success. While the weather may have changed the location, it certainly didn't change the atmosphere. The Third Annual Independence Smash once again showcased the competitive spirit and welcoming community that make LTP tournaments so much fun.

Next Up: MLP Heat of the Summer

The summer tournament schedule continues August 7-9 with LTP's sixth MLP Heat of the Summer. Featuring team DUPR divisions ranging from 12.0 to 18.0, this Major League Pickleball-style event is all about teamwork, strategy, and high-energy competition. Gather your team, find the division that fits your combined DUPR, and join us as we close out another incredible summer of tournament play.

Registration is now open—secure a spot and be part of the next event. www.pickleballtournaments.com