San Francisco, CA, WPH Press, 5/5/25
The South End Rowing Club and tournament director Andres Acosta were proud to present the 2025 Cinco de Mayo Doubles Tournament on Cinco de Mayo Weekend, featuring Men’s Open, A, 40+, B/C, 50+, and Novice doubles divisions at one of the country’s most unique and historic handball facilities.
Cinco de Mayo Open Doubles
Race 4 Eight hopeful Rene Lopez teamed with Northern California star Javier Badillo to win the 2025 Cinco de Mayo Doubles at the South End Rowing Club, winning marathon semifinal and final matches on the 40 ft. x 22 ft. South End Rowing Club courts. After surviving Race 4 Eight pros Loren Collado and Stephen Cooney in the semifinals, Rene and Javier defeated Team Salvador Olascon and Joel Martinez in the final.
“Rene has been playing really well and Javier has too,” stated former Player’s Championship quarterfinalist Loren Collado.
“(The tournament was) Lots of fun,” stated Rene Lopez, who is knocking on the door to become a Race 4 Eight pro. “Javier Badillo and I needed two tiebreakers to beat two tough teams in order to win the open division. I highly encourage all handball players to experience a South End handball tournament, the community comes together to make a great event. Shoutout to all the volunteers and directors!”
Semifinals
Team R. Lopez/J. Badillo def L. Collado/S. Cooney 21-16, 18-21, 11-7
Team Torres/H. Lopez def Team S. Olascon/J. Martinez 21-11, 21-12
Final: Team R. Lopez/J. Badillo def Team Torres/H. Lopez 21-14, 18-21, 11-8
Located in the heart of San Francisco, the South End Rowing Club is a bucket list destination for all handball players, and for those who have experienced the SERC rich history and camaraderie, a must return.
South End Rowing Club and Dolphin Club WPH Destination Series HERE
Follow the brackets from the 2025 Cinco de Mayo Doubles Tournament HERE
David Fink
WPH Senior Writer