Special to The Desert Sun

The Coachella Valley Scorpions were putting the finishing touches on a National Pickleball League championship weekend Sunday in Seattle and just needed one more point before the celebration could begin.

John Riedy had the pickleball in his hand with he and partner Natalie Hill leading 10-8 in the final game when Riedy, nicknamed "Spinja," uncoiled one of his patented cut serves. It perfectly grazed the line and glanced off the Tsunami returner's paddle. The game was won 11-8, the championship match was won 7-2 over the hosts from Seattle, and the Scorpions were the 2025 NPL champions in just their second year of existence.

Hugs, cheers, and confetti filled the court as the Scorpions celebrated their hard-fought title in the NPL, a league for players 50-and-ove

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