In what will go down as one of the most thrilling finishes in early Loboton history, the Greensboro Grinders clawed their way to a dramatic 13-12 championship win over the Carolina Cardinals on Thursday night, capping off three electrifying days of competition in front of a packed and passionate crowd.

The final match of the Greensboro Loboton Tournament lived up to every expectation and more. With $5,000 on the line, a raucous fan base, and two elite squads stacked with collegiate and professional talent, the championship was a showcase of strategy, grit, and high-level execution.

From the first rally to the deciding game, the contest was a back-and-forth battle. Tied 6-6 at halftime and deadlocked at 12-12 after regulation rounds, the match required a final “must-win” round—true to Loboton’s unique format. The Grinders prevailed, seizing momentum at just the right time to close out the victory and take home the title.

Commentators and players alike acknowledged the extraordinary tension.

“It doesn’t get any tighter than this… 12-12—I don’t know if this could have been scripted any better,” one announcer noted.

The contrasting styles of the two teams defined the night. The Cardinals leaned heavily on aggressive feeding and net pressure, anchored by the lethal combination of Lucas Stefen’s pinpoint feeds and Braden Shick’s net dominance. The strategy worked well early, allowing them to steal quick rounds and disrupt the Grinders’ rhythm.

 

“Let’s just feed and come in—have Braden rip some forehands,” Stefen said of their early tactics.

The Grinders, true to their name, ground out points from the baseline, thriving in long rallies and forcing their opponents to hit one more ball. Mitch Stewart played a pivotal role with his relentless retrieval skills, while Drew Broadstreet used crafty slices and shape on his forehand to keep the Cardinals guessing.

Coach Glynn James made key adjustments mid-match, instructing players to surprise net attackers by targeting the body rather than going wide.

“He’s expecting it to go crosscourt—a surprise to the body would be the best thing,” James said in a crucial coaching moment.

The match featured some of the sport’s brightest rising stars—many with ties to Greensboro’s rich tennis community. NC State All-American Braden Shick was a force at the net, while UNCW’s Lucas Steffen was heralded as having the best feed in the tournament. Will Spencer, a Georgia Bulldogs alum and the Grinders’ top player, found his rhythm late and dug deep in crucial rounds.

On the women’s side, GTP alumna Brianna Baldi kept opponents off balance with her signature low slice, while Oziera Ahmad (College of Charleston) used her court coverage to escape corners and frustrate the Cardinals.

The championship crowd was the largest and loudest of the tournament—described as “Davis Cup-like” in its energy. Kids, families, and tennis enthusiasts packed the venue, creating a buzzing environment that elevated the play.

“The crowd ignited tonight—this is the loudest I’ve heard it,” one commentator said during the deciding round.

Beyond the action, the event served as a powerful source of inspiration for local youth. With so many coaches and former local stars competing, kids had the chance to see role models in action.

“All these people have ties to the Greensboro community,” said Grinders player Ollie Palmer. “It’s great for kids to see such a high level and realize it’s within reach.”

With a thrilling format that emphasizes rallies, teamwork, and drama, Loboton proved once again that it’s more than a novelty—it’s a rising sport with deep roots in tennis and serious competitive fire. Thanks to sponsors Vincita and Brooks Pierce and the tireless efforts of players, coaches, and organizers, the Greensboro tournament delivered a finale worthy of its growing reputation.

Final Score:
 Greensboro Grinders def. Carolina Cardinals 13-12