Hazelwood, MO, WPH Press, 1/12/26
The National Handball Center played host to the inaugural Women’s Winterfest on the second weekend of 2026, hosting 30 women competing in singles and doubles brackets.
The Winterfest Open Singles featured 11 players, highlighted by former WR48 finalist Suz Entzeroth. SE was joined by collegiate handball stars Taylor Bell, Taylor Rumping, and Gretchen Gregory.
Entzeroth was dominant in the upper bracket, advancing to the final with a convincing win against Gregory in the semifinals, while Bell won the battle of the Taylors in the bottom bracket, defeating Rumping for the first time.
Entzeroth continued her stellar play in the final, relying on her power and athleticism to overwhelm Bell to become the National Handball Center’s first Winterfest champion.
Women’s Open Singles
Entzeroth def Gregory
Bell def Rumping
Final: Entzeroth def Bell
Rachael Ortberg won the Winterfest Big Ball singles, while Maggie Mackie won the Winterfest A singles.
“It was great first year with about 30 players and will be an annual thing now,” state tournament director and USHA Development Director Sam Esser. “There was a nice mix of experienced players, brand new players, and women returning to handball after years away! Shout out to Erin Bland and Elaina Schoene for having the idea and helping put together the tournament.”
Thank you to tournament director Sam Esser for hosting a great event. Pictures courtesy of Sam Esser.
More info on the 2026 Women’s Winterfest HERE
David Fink
WPH Senior Writer