WASHINGTON – The Gallaudet University pickleball club made their historic debut at the D.C. Collegiate Round Robin competition that took place on Sunday, Nov. 16. The Bison competed against strong local pickleball teams from Georgetown Washington University (GWU) and George Mason University (GMU).

Players that represented the Gallaudet pickleball club team include; Esther Biser (Concord, Calif.), Shawn Daniels (Lakeland, Fla.), Raj Guettler (Frederick, Md.), Shaelyn Johnson (Redlands, Calif.), Callum Paterson (Mississauga, Ontario), Katie Peardon (Neptune, N.J.), Conard Angelo Santos (San Diego, Calif.) and Brian Van Bavel (Washington, D.C.).

Here is a breakdown of the pickleball action:

Gallaudet (Buff) vs. George Mason 1
In the first round, the Buff team (Shaelyn, Esther, Conrad and Shawn) defeated George Manson University 1 by the overall score of 3-1.
Fixed Men (Conrad/Shawn): Won 22-20
Fixed Women (Shaelyn/Esther): Lost 19-21
Mixed Team 1 (Conrad/Shaelyn): Won 22-20
Mixed Team 2 (Shawn/Esther): Won 21-17

Gallaudet (Buff) vs. George Mason 2
The Buff team faced GMU 2 in their second round but unfortunately fell short and lost, 4-0.
Fixed Men (Conrad/Shawn): Lost 10-21
Fixed Women (Shaelyn/Esther): Lost 4-21
Mixed Team 1 (Esther/Conrad): Lost 11-21
Mixed Team 2 (Shawn/Shaelyn): Lost 12-21

Gallaudet (Buff) vs. George Washington 1
In the third round against George Washington 1, the Buff team faced another challenging match and lost, 4-0.
Fixed Men (Conrad/Shawn): Lost 19-21
Fixed Women (Shaelyn/Esther): Lost 11-21
Mixed Team 1 (Conrad/Esther): Lost 17-21
Mixed Team 2 (Shawn/Shaelyn): Lost 12-21

Gallaudet (Buff) vs. George Washington 2
In the fourth round against GWU 2, the Buff team bounced back with an impressive 3-1 victory.
Fixed Men (Conrad/Shawn): Won 24-22
Fixed Women (Shaelyn/Esther): Lost 19-21
Mixed Team 1 (Conrad/Shaelyn): Won 21-19
Mixed Team 2 (Shawn/Esther): Won 27-25

The Buff team competed in 16 games against four different teams, winning six out of 16 games. They secured victories in two rounds, starting strong with a 3-1 win against GMU 1 and bouncing back with another 3-1 win against GWU 2 in the fourth round. Although they faced challenges against GMU 2 and GWU 1, the team demonstrated determination and teamwork throughout the competition.

Buff Team – Individual Records
Conrad 4-4
Shawn 4-4
Esther 2-6
Shaelyn 2-6

Gallaudet (Blue) vs. George Washington 1
The Blue team (Brian, Callum, Raj,and Katie) had a competitive first round but fell short to the GWU 1 team and lost, 3-1.
Fixed Men (Brian/Callum): Lost 20-22
Fixed Women (Raj/Katie): Won 21-17
Mixed Team 1 (Brian/Katie): Lost 17-21
Mixed Team 2 (Callum/Raj): Lost 19-21

Gallaudet (Blue) vs. George Washington 2
In the second round, the Blue team lost, 4-0, to George Washington 2.
Fixed Men (Brian/Callum): Lost 17-21
Fixed Women (Raj/Katie): Lost 17-21
Mixed Team 1 (Brian/Raj): Lost 12-21
Mixed Team 2 (Callum/Katie): Lost 18-21

Gallaudet (Blue) vs. George Mason 1
In the third round against GMU 1, the Blue team managed to secure one win but fell short overall and lost, 3-1.
Fixed Men (Brian/Callum): Lost 10-21
Fixed Women (Raj/Katie): Won 21-19
Mixed Team 1 (Brian/Katie): Lost 6-21
Mixed Team 2 (Callum/Raj): Lost 4-21

Gallaudet (Blue) vs. George Mason 2
In the fourth round against GMU 2, the Blue team had a competitive showing as they earned a 2-2 draw.
Fixed Men (Brian/Callum): Lost 24-26
Fixed Women (Raj/Katie): Won 21-9
Mixed Team 1 (Brian/Raj): Lost 19-21
Mixed Team 2 (Callum/Katie): Won 21-13

The Blue team competed in 16 games against four different teams, winning four out of 16 games. Despite some tough losses, they showcased their determination with victories in the Fixed Women's matches against GWU 1, GMU 1, and GMU 2, and a strong win in the Mixed Team 2 match against GMU 2.

Blue Team – Individual Records
Katie 4-4
Raj 3-5
Callum 1-7
Brian 0-8
 
Final Combined Team Scores
George Washington 12, Gallaudet 4
George Mason 11, George Washington 5
George Mason 10, Gallaudet 6

The inaugural competition marked a key milestone for Gallaudet Pickleball Club and showcased the sport's growth at the collegiate level. The team gained valuable experience and a strong foundation for future tournaments.

For more updates and behind-the-scenes content, follow the Gallaudet Pickleball Club on Instagram: @GallaudetPickleball

Congratulations to the Buff and Blue teams for making Gallaudet history. Stay tuned for the next upcoming event in March (DUPR Collegiate - New Jersey Super Regional).