The 2025 CNPL Eastern Split had no shortage of drama, but few moments captured the energy of the weekend better than Ava Kalist’s accidental acrobatic celebration. After a point for the Southwestern Ontario Brewers, Kalist launched herself into the spotlight by doing a full flip onto the team bench. The crowd at Montreal’s Royal Westcourt Social Club erupted, and the stunt instantly became one of the defining images of the split — part swagger, part joy, and a reminder of the Brewers’ fighting spirit even in a tough season.
Another highlight came when the Brewers snapped the Montreal Lions’ winning streak. The Lions had been rolling, looking nearly unstoppable since winning the 2024 CNPL title, but the Brewers dug deep to grind out a narrow 3-2 victory. The upset didn’t just shake up the standings — it gave the Brewers their most emotional win of the campaign. Players swarmed the court, celebrating the breakthrough as though they’d just won a championship, and the victory showed that even the last-place squad could land a heavy punch.
Not to be outdone, Ryan Torresin delivered a highlight-reel moment of his own. In a mixed doubles match, he dove full stretch to save a near-winner, popped back up, and then hammered the finishing smash two shots later. The clip circulated widely online after CNPL posted it, with fans calling it one of the best hustle plays of the season. His determination symbolized London’s relentless push to the top of the standings.
One of the most heartwarming storylines of the Eastern Split came when Jessica Kawamoto faced off against her twin brother Matt Kawamoto in a heated mixed doubles matchup. Jessica and her partner came out on top, handing Matt and United another tough loss — but the sibling rivalry ended in smiles. The two shared a joint post-match interview, poking fun at each other while praising each other’s play. The moment became even more memorable when their mother joined into the frame mid-interview, photobombing them with a proud grin. The lighthearted scene was a perfect reminder that while the CNPL is fiercely competitive, family ties and joy in the game are always close at hand.
