Jeff Downs and Amy Smith watched as the ball bounced from their opponent’s paddle and balanced atop the net.

Both Downs and Smith stepped toward the net, expecting the ball to fall on their side of the court at Monument Valley Park on Saturday.

As the mixed doubles duo began to relax, the ball rolled off the net and dropped to their side of the court before Downs or Smith could save it.

“It happens,” Downs said as the pair tapped paddles and prepared for their opponent’s ensuing serve.

Downs and Smith then began a furious run that led to a 15-4 victory in the second match during the mixed doubles 50-59 category at the Pikes Peak or Bust Pickleball tournament, which featured nearly 400 players.

“This is a great group of people who aren’t just from the Springs but from all over,” Downs said. “There are some good Pickleball players here and everyone of them are nice. You have a cordial crowd of players who are fun to play against.”

The atmosphere at Monument Valley Park – eventgoers applauding lengthy rallies, family and friends cheering on players – this is what Joe Johnson envisioned.

Johnson, Pikes Peak Pickleball Association president, said they’ve tracked the growth of Pickleball for years and hoped to provide a venue for locals, no matter their experience.

“Colorado Springs is becoming one of the key destinations for people to come and play,” Johnson said. “… This tournament is from [ages] 18 to 50-plus. Last year and this year, we offered wheelchair play to our wheelchair athletes who don’t have the venue in Colorado Springs. This is for everyone who wants to play and we’re proud of that.”

Johnson said the U.S. Senior Pickleball Association, a partner for this event, previously held the tournament in Denver as the Colorado Open before moving it to Colorado Springs.

Despite the move, players still traveled from various states including Utah, Arizona, Texas and more to compete.

“A friend of mine flew in from Indiana to play women’s doubles with me,” Smith said. “It’s amazing to know that people will travel from where they do just to come out and have fun. People in this sport are so friendly and kind. It’s competitive on the court and then when you’re done, you talk and have a good time.”

As the duo exited court 12 victorious, onlookers, who briefly departed to view action on other courts, returned to learn if their friends advanced.

“So, how’d it go?” a spectator asked Downs.

Downs proceeded to wink, smile and give a thumbs up with his right hand while waving his paddle with his left.

Another viewer later asked the same question and received an identical gesture from Downs.

For Downs, he cherishes the camaraderie of Pickleball along with the competition.

Downs played tennis for 50 years but took a hiatus from competition after a lengthy career. Three years ago, when the Bear Creek Park courts opened, Pickleball enticed Downs and he gave it a shot.

“When you get older, how I am, that small court is definitely more appealing than a big tennis court,” Downs said. “This game is a lot like tennis, so it was easy to pick up. It’s fun to play against great competitors and have good friends on the court at the same time.”

As Smith returned to her seat for a break between matches, she also preached the importance of friendships and bonds built from the sport.

“It’s not just something where you’re done after high school and there’s no future for you,” Smith said. “I’ve played people and they’ve told me that they’re 84 and they’re beating me. I’m like, ‘I want to be like you when I grow up.’”