2026 PG Strawberry Days Preview
Who will come out on top?
4.5 Elite
With a small bracket of just 6 teams–and up to $330 in prize money being up for grabs–the PG Strawberry Days Tournament Elite division is shaping up to be highly competitive and focused, with every game crucial. Due to many teams being similarly skilled, most games will be decided by just one or two breaks.
Blackout
A newer team debuting this season, Josh Balmforth and Kody Price are not to be underestimated. No one else is on the grind like these guys, and likely no one has as many team reps. Defensively minded, expect Blackout to get touches on every less than perfect hit, and a good amount of the perfect ones. After a taste of the podium at Free the Spike, Josh and Kody are hungry for some big results this tourney. The question this weekend will be whether or not Blackout can convert their touches into actual points, and take the win.
Cha Cha real smooth w/it
Two heavy hitters–Charlie Bratsman and Chandler Hertzler–team up for the first time, and are ready to beat anyone. Expect strong serve pressure and frequent aces from both players, with Chandler’s missiles and Charlie’s spin both being fatal. As great finishers, the main thing holding Cha Cha back from winning will likely be setting and serve consistency.
The Four Tempers
Taylor Church and Garret Carver both went flawless respectively in the 2025 season, with either’s only appearance this season being Garret with a dominant 1st place win at the Spring Spike tournament. Normally it's a safe bet to expect these longtime pros to perform at the highest level this Saturday, with their experience and team chemistry combining to make them nearly unbeatable—however Garrett is coming into the tournament with a hurt back which may hold him back. The Four Tempers’ clean sets and great finishes make it extremely difficult to play defense against them. However, with this level of performance comes high pressure and expectations to perform well, painting a large target on their back for any up and coming teams hoping to prove themselves.
Plus Ultra!
Experienced as teammates, Lazarus Shettel and Alex Tamang re-team up as Plus Ultra! for this major. With both serve and serve receive pressure, these guys will not be easy to beat in the first few seconds of every point. Expect spinny serves and speedy put-aways from both Laz and Alex. The primary question for Plus Ultra! This weekend is whether or not they’ll be able to set as well as they serve and hit.
Cook / Cordingley
Currently one of the best serving duos in Utah, expect Luke Cook and Connor Cordingley to make a deep run. Connor’s cuts are some of the fastest and widest we’ve seen, and Luke’s eclectic array of serves frequently proves to be deadly. Experienced and clean all round, Luke and Connor are coming into the tournament with high expectations–especially after a recent 1st place at Free the Spike. Will their serve pressure be enough to gain the momentum they need to win?
Chris / Gabe
Two relatively unknown and underrated players, both Chris Marcusen and Gabe Gerber have a very high ceiling. Expect loads of defensive touches from Gabe, and diabolical cut serves from Chris (despite recovering from a recent ankle injury). No doubt these guys will be getting some ridiculous athletic plays, but will they be able to perform at a high level consistently?
4.0 Challenger
With a relatively large group of 10 teams, 4.0 is shaping up to be a great time! Notable mentions include the experienced team "Roundnet Rookies," and active individuals including Ryan Kartchner, Becca Feller, and Kylie Rowley. With $270 in prize money available across the podium, expect determined competition and great rallies.
3.0 Recreational
16 teams and $160 in prize money; the 3.0 Recreational division is potentially the most competitive it's been all year, boasting strong individual players such as Jace Durfey and Bryson Cook, along with the Traffic Jam duo. Especially with the new bigger ball, expect lots of highlight rallies coming from the 3.0 Recreational division.
