In August 2025, the Seattle Cyclones reached a major milestone as the first Seattle-based women’s cricket franchise to be invited to the Elite Division of the prestigious Bay Area Open.
Competing against the top teams in the country, the Cyclones proved they belonged on the national stage with a series of hard-fought, competitive matches:
- The 2-Run Thriller: In our most intense match of the tournament, the Cyclones pushed the SRCA Bravehearts to the final ball, falling just 2 runs short in a high-scoring 104-run defensive battle.
- Elite Experience: Facing powerhouse squads like the Brampton Raiders and SoCal Spikers, our bowlers showed clinical discipline, forcing matches deep into the second innings and showcasing the Cyclones’ defensive grit.
Notable Performances
Individually, our players reached new heights against elite competition:
- Shillan K: Earned the Impact Player Award for her game-changing performance in the nail-biting encounter against the SRCA Bravehearts.
- Jaivi P: Established herself as a premier strike bowler, finishing as the 2nd highest wicket-taker of the tournament with an impressive 8 wickets across 4 matches.
Player Spotlight: Mahika Kandanala
We were privileged to have Mahika Kandanala join us as a player-mentor for this campaign. An American cricketer who plays for the United States women’s national cricket team, Mahika brought international-level experience to our squad.
Acting as a mentor on and off the field, she was instrumental in helping our younger players with mental preparation and tactical awareness. “Having someone of Mahika’s caliber helped us bridge the gap between local and national standards,” noted the coaching staff.
The 2025 Bay Area Open has solidified our reputation as a rising force in American women’s cricket. We leave California with our heads high and our sights set on San Diego 2026.