The WPH Pittsburgh Singles League concluded last weekend with “New England” Mike Semplice sweeping Andrew “JCC” Joseph and “Smokin’” Joe Delsardo in back-to-back round robin playoff matches. Semplice defeated Joseph 21-12, 21-10 in his league playoffs opener. “It just seemed like Andrew couldn’t get his serve going and that was the difference,” revealed Semplice. Semplice changed his shirt and faced Delsardo next. “I was really happy with the way I play in the first game,” stated Semplice. “The second game was sloppy for both of us, but I was really happy to get the matches in and play in the league.” Semplice defeated Delsardo 21-12, 21-16. Delsardo claimed silver in the WPH Pittsburgh Singles League, while Joseph finished with the bronze.
Semplice and Delsardo will head to Salt Lake City for the WPH Aces Player’s Championship next week to compete in the qualifier and the open singles. Semplice played in the most recent WPH Race 4 Eight qualifier in New York, pushing 22nd ranked Harvard attorney Adam Bernhard in a 90-minute, 25-19 loss. Semplice has fared well against several of the top seeds entered in the Salt Lake City qualifier, including a doubles win (with RFC) over WPH #14 Vic Perez and close losses to WPH #16 Abraham Montijo and WPH #24 Mike Schneider. Delsardo will be making his first R48 qualifier start and is eager for the opportunity. “I can’t wait for the tournament next week. I’ve been watching all season on ESPN and I’m really excited to compete on the biggest stage in handball.”
To watch a preview of the WPH Aces Player’s Championship Qualifier, WR48 and SR48, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgZeY6vm3rE&feature=youtu.be&a. To watch special features on WPH Pittsburgh Singles League finalists Mike Semplice and Joe Delsardo, including a highlight reel of Delsardo’s “ESPN Top Plays” from his collegiate football career at the University of Pittsburgh, skip to the 15:00 mark.
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David Fink
WPH Senior Writer