Action Continues Today

ATLANTA, GA — August 3, 2025 - With the standings tied and championship implications on the line, Team Atlanta delivered one of the most mentally resilient performances of the season in front of a packed house Saturday evening at the INTENNSE™ Arena in Decatur. In what was billed as a marquee matchup between the league’s top two teams, Atlanta stormed back from a halftime deficit and outscored Team Jacksonville 94 to 57 in the final two bolts to win the Dual 200 to 175. 

The win moves Atlanta to 4-2 on the season, while Jacksonville drops to 4-3. It also gives Atlanta the edge in the three-match season series.

Team Atlanta Head Coach Marcelo Ferreira said the plan from the start was to seize early momentum and lean into his team’s depth, particularly in doubles. Ferreira put his trust in Tanya Sasnouskaya to open the Dual—and she delivered with an inspired performance in Women’s Singles, winning 55 to 42 and giving Atlanta a double-digit cushion early.
“Honestly, it was very simple. I just wanted the next point, and I really wanted it for my team,” said Sasnouskaya. “That was the game plan, just staying solid. I know that I can outrun anyone, and this is what I wanted to do today. I wanted to die for every single point.”

Coach Ferreira added, “Tanya was a complete superstar, not only with her guts and passion, but she embraced the strategy and that really created momentum.”

Team Jacksonville struck back in Men’s Singles behind another dominant showing from Sam Nicholson, who racked up points with signature pace and consistency. Nicholson’s 76 to 51 edge helped Jacksonville take a 118 to 106 lead into the Doubles.

But Atlanta’s strategy was just beginning to unfold.

“I didn’t know how the boys were going to compete, especially with Kevin [King] not being 100 percent, but he really stepped up,” said Ferreira. “He played within his limitations today, but played with the right strategy.”

King’s return from injury was a spark. He teamed up with Trent Bryde in the Men’s Doubles portion of the final two Bolts, and the two put on a masterclass at the net. Atlanta outscored Jacksonville 94 to 57 in the combined Doubles, turning a 12-point deficit into a dominant 25-point win.

“I think once the adrenaline got going, the crowd was amazing,” said King. “Everyone on the team was fired up, and it’s just—you go out there and you play. You don’t think about it.”

King added, “We’re extremely confident about our doubles. I think across the board, everyone can perform very well, and the girls set a great tone out there, starting with the doubles. We were just able to keep that energy the whole time.”

The final Bolt turned into a party for Atlanta, with Michaela Gordon and Sasnouskaya picking up critical plus-twos and King and Bryde electrifying the crowd.

Coach Claudio Pistolesi of Team Jacksonville offered his congratulations post-match.

“Tanys today raised the level. She missed three balls in half an hour so she really raised the level,” said Pistolesi. “Congratulations to her. Congratulations to the charismatic leader of the team of Atlanta. Kevin King is my friend. I met him in the tour and he’s so impressive. The level, the power, the energy he put in—it’s tough to blame him.”

While the win moved Atlanta to the top of the table, the Dual also marked the INTENNSE debut of Edward Tymes.
“Oh, that was electric,” said Tymes. “Really high-level doubles for sure. We bounced back after a slow start with the guys in the singles, but our doubles is just too good. We’re all over the net. We’re getting two-pointers automatically.”
Tymes added, “It gets former college players who graduated a long time ago like Kevin. It gets Trent and myself who graduated recently involved as well. It’s a great pathway for players.”

Bryde agreed, praising the team’s chemistry and energy.

“Oh my gosh, I can’t even describe that,” said Bryde. “The energy in doubles was incredible. Me and Kevin brought it. I served well. Kevin cleaned up at the net. It was just awesome. Insane match.”

Sasnouskaya, King, and the rest of Team Atlanta will be back on court Sunday. The team’s title hopes are now fully in its own hands.

“We’re ready to win this thing,” said Bryde. “This is Atlanta’s title.”