Spokane, WA, WPH Press, 11/8/2026
Tournament director Russ Akerhielm and the Spokane Club were proud to present the 59th Annual Lilac Tournament at the Spokane Club, one of handball’s most acclaimed venues.
The historic Lilac Tournament is one of the country’s longest running events, always providing players and fans with sensational hospitality and outstanding competition.
Open Singles
The 2026 Lilac Tournament featured a strong 13-player Men’s Open Singles draw, to include top seed Andy Romanchock, Oregon State champion Jorge Pimentel, San Francisco’s Jake Cosgrove, and Spokane’s Pete Svennungsen.
Pimentel was dominant in Spokane, trouncing hometown favorites Dominick Schoener in the quarterfinals and Svenny is in the semifinals to meet Romanchock in the final.
Pimentel completed his sweep against the State of Washington in the final, defeating Romanchock in two games.
“The Lilac’s hospitality was amazing as always,” Pimentel would tell the WPH. “The tournament was really fun, I enjoyed every match. The final against Andy was tough, he’s a very talented player and an awesome doubles partner. I’m glad I got to go and play.”
Semifinals
Romanchock def Cosgrove 19-21, 21-13, 11-
Pimentel def Svennungsen 21-2, 21-8
Final: Pimentel def Romanchock 21-9, 21-14
Follow all of the brackets from the 2026 Lilac Tournament HERE
David Fink
WPH Senior Writer