Austin, TX, WPH Press, 3/26/23
More than 100 players competed in the 2023 Southwest Regional Championships at Gregory Gym at the University of Texas in Austin, as the University of Texas Handball Team hosted one of its biggest events of the year.
R48 #2 Martin Mulkerrins headlined the men’s open singles field that also included 2022 R48 Icebreaker quarterfinalist Adam Bernhard, former world champion Gary Scogin, New York’s Arthur Sayed, and Memo Pallares. 2022 WR48 Pre Qualifier champion Kristen Hughes headlined the women’s open field that also included top stars Taylor Bell and Avery Shepherd.
Men’s Open Singles
Martin Mulkerrins cruised to the final in the top half of the men’s open singles draw in his first start since losing in the semifinals to Killian Carroll at the 2023 Race 4 Eight Houston in February, sweeping Lee Sugarek, Alex Tangen, and Holden Smith in two games. Adam Bernhard was dominant in the bottom half of the draw, defeating Sammy Chlen, Gary Scogin, and Taylor Schmitt to meet Mulkerrins in the final.
Mulkerrins overcame a hot start from Bernie in the first game to take control of the final, relying on the best power in the sport to take control of rallies.
“Tough match,” stated Mulkerrins. “Adam started very well with a 4-0 and 8-4 lead. He was serving well and taking his chances. I had some good serves and kills to get back into it and go ahead.”
Semifinals
Mulkerrins def Smith 21-7, 21-4
Bernhard def Schmitt 21-15, 21-13
Final: Mulkerrins def Bernhard 21-11, 21-6
Women’s Open Singles
Kicking off a torrid stretch that includes starts in Austin, Tucson (Women’s Classic), and Salt Lake City (WR48 Player’s Championship), top-seeded Kristen Hughes advanced to the final of the women’s open with comfortable victories against JP Sammis and Nicole Walker. Second-seeded Taylor Bell was dominant in the bottom half of the draw, defeating Amesley Davis and Avery Shepherd to meet Hughes in the final.
Kristen Hughes clinched the Southwest Championships on her home court, winning the title without dropping a game in her three matches. Hughes won a close first game in the final against Bell and extended a lead in the second to clinch the title.
Semifinals
Hughes def Walker 21-8, 21-7
Bell def Shepherd 21-13, 21-6
Final: Hughes def Bell 21-17, 21-10
Thank you to Nate Frank, Kristen Hughes, Lana Murphree and the University of Texas Handball Team for an outstanding event
Follow all of the brackets from the 2023 Southwest Regional Championships HERE
David Fink
WPH Senior Writer