[slideshow_deploy id=’699′]

Mesquite senior games sponsored by Smith’s Grocery and Sun City Mesquite closed out the month with a pickle ball tournament held April 28 – 30.

What is pickleball you may ask yourself? It is a game that began in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Wash. by four dads for their bored kids. It is a cross between tennis, badminton and pingpong. It is quickly becoming a national pastime in the United States and in Canada.

Linda Hoggatt of Surprise, Arizona, having played for eight years, finds the game easier than tennis and quick-paced. Hoggatt and her partner, Robin Blanchard took gold for their 5.0 Women’s Doubles Pickleball section.

Paul and Michelle McNichol of Mesquite were curious about this game as were Byron and Marsha Freso of Wimauma, Florida. After watching a few games they were all hooked. Paul said, “It is fun and easy to play and you meet tons of nice people!” Marsha finds it hard to stay away from. The McNichol duo took bronze in the Mixed Doubles 3.0 section of the tournament. The Fresos took Silver in their 4.5/5.0 section.

For full results and bracket breakdown, go to www.pickleballtournaments.com/cinfo.pl?tid=227