Standout Performances: Week One
In the first week of the 2025 MLQ season we all were reminded of the excitement summer quadball brings.
The weekend opened with a golden-goal game between the Cleveland Riff and Toronto Raiders, where the Riff later walked away with a sweep. Not only was it the first time the Riff had beaten the Raiders, but it was the Riff’s first series win since 2016 (the longest drought in MLQ history).
In New York, the New York Titans were able to hold off the Washington Admirals. While New York was in control for most of games one and three, game two came down to the wire where New York didn’t take control until after 20 minutes. In Houston, the Kansas City Stampede were able to pull out a sweep against the Houston Legends. Just like last season, all three games were nail biters, including a golden-goal ending in game two. With so much to watch, here are six top performers from this past weekend.
Joseph Lombardi (#19)
In Cleveland’s historic win over Toronto, no chaser played a bigger role than Joseph Lombardi. Lombardi was hitting shots throughout the game and letting them rip from distance. No hoop was safe. Hitting a shot on the small hoop from outside the keeper zone through two defenders is one of the hardest things to do in the sport. Lombardi made it look easy. He had 15 goals across the series—that’s more than Toronto had in any of the three games. Lombardi also finished with six assists and seven stops, showing his ability to contribute even when the hoops are covered. Lombardi’s performance was music to Cleveland’s ears.
Credit Grey Scott
Brittany Taylor (#29)
While the Raiders suffered a devastating loss, Brittany Taylor proved why she will be one of the top beaters in the league. There were major questions surrounding the Raiders’ beater corp this offseason, and Taylor provided the answers. She has cemented her spot in the starting role, running broom up in all three games and playing on 47 drives. She also finished with the second best plus/minus and highest average dodgeballs on the squad. In what was a tough series loss for Toronto, the Raiders should feel great about Taylor’s performance and her increased role on the team for the rest of the summer.
Chantal Siodlarz (#30)
As highlighted in our Week One Players to Watch article, Chantal Siodlarz did not disappoint in her MLQ debut against the Titans. Siodlarz managed to put up four goals—a sixth of the entire team’s goals throughout the weekend. She found ways to score against some of the most talented defenders in the league. When the Admirals were looking for ways to score in the halfcourt, Siodlarz became a consistent option for them to attack. It also showed in the stats sheets, as Siodlarz (and fellow rookie Caitlyn Breslow) led the team in the scoring. Getting the ball in Siodlarz’s hands opened up the offense, as she would drive in and score on one of the outside hoops. Washington should look forward to Siodlarz being a pivotal part in the development of their young roster.
Molly Potter (#6)
Throughout the weekend, there might not be a player who had a more well-rounded performance than Molly Potter. Potter was doing everything on both sides of the floor throughout the series. On defense, she was making hits, forcing players out on the sidelines, and blocking passes/shots. On offense, she was a consistent scorer in transition opportunities and generated looks with well-timed passes to her teammates. Potter left on Saturday with 80 points, four assists, and five stops, one of the strongest stat-lines throughout opening week. Look for Potter to continue to lead the Titans throughout the season.
Vincent Reyes (#16)
As the top scorer for the Stampede, Vincent Reyes led Kansas City to one of their most important victories in recent seasons. Reyes finished with 170 points, the most of any player this weekend. In halfcourt sets, he was often found behind the hoops either hitting shots or cutting in for well-timed finishes. In what might have been the best goal of the weekend, Reyes cut to the middle hoop, where Jackson Herdade fed him a well-timed alley-oop. Reyes skyed over the Legends defense and was able to finish on the middle hoop, giving the Stampede a one goal lead in a back-and-forth second game. After a performance like this one, it’s likely Reyes will continue his chasing role as a go-to scorer for Kansas City.
David Wright (#43)
Entering this weekend, many were interested in seeing what the Legends beating corp would look like after this offseason. One rookie who stepped up in Houston was David Wright. Wright, after playing for SHSU this recent US Quadball season, made his MLQ debut in a Series of the Week. In only 17 drives played, he recorded five stops, one of the top efficiency rates of any beater this weekend. Wright also had the second highest average dodgeballs on the team. In what was a rough weekend for the Legend-faithful, Wright provides the hope of a young beater becoming a centerpiece for this Houston corp.
