Looking back on my first PWBA Tour experience, there were definite highs and lows and many amazing memories made all along the way.
My
fondest bowling memory by far was the PWBA Sacramento Open. Although the
first day of the tournament was definitely the longest day of bowling in my
entire life (we started with a 9am practice session and didn't leave the
pro-am until after midnight), it was also the most invigorating.
It was
one of the biggest spectator crowds of the season, with hardly any room to walk
inside the center. I got to throw out the first ball of the tournament,
alongside Hall of Famer Betty Morris and a 7 year old little girl. Then, the
roar of applause and cheering we received prior to starting the event nearly
brought me to tears as it sunk in...the PWBA Tour was back!
In my
home state and in front of my husband, parents, in-laws and friends, I went on
to qualify for the stepladder finals and finished in 3rd place.
I went on
to make back-to-back stepladder finals also finishing in 3rd place at the next
event - the PWBA Lubbock Sports Open.
 |
| Stepladder Finalist for the PWBA Lubbock Sports Open |
I then
hit a very rough patch as I started my LONG journey on the road. I left July
23rd and didn't return home until September 4th. Struggling with a few injuries
after the first 2 events, I missed cashing in 3 tournaments in a row.
Being
injured, emotionally drained, homesick and combining all of that with having a
lot of personal issues going on at home, it made for a definite rough few weeks.
I must
say that I wouldn't have stayed sane if it wasn't for my amazing roommates who
were there for me through it all. I will forever be grateful to them for
everything: our long car-ride conversations, late night chats, making me
practice my Spanish and all of our fun "off days" made for one
memorable first year out on the PWBA Tour.
 |
| My Roommates: Maria Jose Rodriguez, Clara Guerrero and Sandra Gongora |
After
several sports massages, KT Tape, foam rolling, lots of stretching and my body
just generally getting used to the shear amount of games we bowl, I finally
physically started feeling better. I cashed in Lincoln, Nebraska and then came
in 8th in Minnesota and 10th in Detroit, moving me up to 8th place in the point
standings going into the U.S. Open.
Despite
my disappointment with my overall performance this season, I did manage to come
in 12th place in the overall points standings and qualified for the Top 16 PWBA
Tour Championship.
Although
I struggled for a majority of the season, I also learned a lot from my
failures. I know where my weaknesses are and have quite a few things to work on
going into next season.
However,
the real story is this...women's bowling is back and it's bigger and better
than ever!
Stay
tuned!
To check
out all of the season-long stats for the PWBA Tour, click here.
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