St. Louis Shock Ends Anna Leigh Waters' Unbeaten Streak in MLP Mid-Season Final

The 2026 MLP season has seen Anna Leigh Waters dominate the women's doubles category, entering the mid-season tournament final in Grand Rapids with an impressive record of 25 consecutive victories alongside her partner Jorja Johnson. However, the St. Louis Shock had a game plan that turned the tide against the formidable duo. In a strategic move, the Shock's team, consisting of Anna Bright and Kate Fahey, opted to minimize Waters' involvement by directing their shots primarily towards Johnson. This tactical decision proved effective, as they secured an 11-6 victory, marking the first defeat for Waters and Johnson in women's doubles this season. Fahey later revealed that their strategy was to avoid hitting to Waters, recognizing the risks associated with engaging the most skilled player on the court. By focusing on Johnson, they managed to disrupt the rhythm that typically favored Waters, showcasing the effectiveness of their approach.

The St. Louis Shock did not stop there; they continued their momentum in the decisive match, where Bright teamed up with Hayden Patriquin to face Waters and her new partner, Noe Khlif. The Shock's relentless strategy paid off once again, as they clinched the match with an 11-8 score, completing a clean sweep of the tournament with a 3-0 victory. This win not only awarded St. Louis their first Mid-Season Tournament title but also earned them ten standing points, while New Jersey, who finished as runners-up, received six points. The implications of this victory extend beyond just one tournament; it highlights a potentially repeatable strategy that other teams may adopt in the future. Waters remains a formidable opponent in the MLP, but the Shock's disciplined approach of targeting her partner could serve as a blueprint for future matches.