Missy Competes in Sutter Creek PBA Regional

Last weekend, I bowled the PBA Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort Championship at Gold Country Lanes in Sutter Creek, CA. For those that aren't familiar with the area of Sutter Creek, it is situated in the middle of Gold Country in what is known as the Mother Lode, a region where the majority of gold was discovered during the 1849 California Gold Rush.

For the PBA Regional event, we competed on the PBA 50 Standard oil pattern which is 42' and typically plays pretty high scoring. I bowled on A squad and started out of the gates strong using the New Hammer Scandal, having the front 7 strikes both of my first two games, shooting 246 and 257. I followed that up with a 233, 225, 233 and 223. Then needing to switch to my Paradox Pearl, I shot 183 and 218 for +218 overall, which put me close for the top 16 cut to match play.

Hammer Scandal 

While awaiting my fate over making the cut, I ventured to the historic downtown area of Jackson. Amidst the antique shops and candy stores, I found an amazing gem to have lunch at - Rosebud's Cafe. All of the food was farm to table. I had the absolute BEST sandwich I've ever had - a pork belly sandwich, with fresh sprouts on a homemade roll with homemade strawberry jam and served with made from scratch sweet potato fries. AMAZING! Afterwards, I ventured to downtown historic Sutter Creek, but not before stopping at the lookout point of the old Kennedy Gold Mine.

Later I had learned that I had qualified 14th and did indeed make the top 16 matchplay finals. The Round of 16 consisted of a best 3 out of 5 format, so the first person to win 3 games would move on and the loser would be knocked out of the tournament.

I bowed against amateur Mark Del Cerro Jr., who happened to be bowling next to me during all of qualifying. I knew he had a very good look on the pattern and knew I needed to shoot big numbers to win the match. In the opening game, I shot 257 using my Hammer Scandal winning against his 223. He then came back to beat me 246-230 evening out the match at 1-1. In game 3, I needed to strike out in the 10th frame to lock him out, but unfortunately left a stubborn 10 pin and he struck to beat me 233-215.

Being down 1-2, it was a do or die situation as I switched to my Paradox Pearl on the right lane and continued to use my Scandal on the left lane. The match came down to the 10th frame and I needed to strike my first ball in the 10th frame to win, and I did just that winning 248-227. Going into the final 5th game, I started to lose my look as the lanes transitioned. He bowled another big game defeating me 254-212.

Even though in the end I lost the match, I still shot +162 for those 5 games, which is nothing to be upset about. I ended up coming in 10th place overall in the tournament. Although I am seeing definite improvement on the things I am changing in my game, I know I still have lots of work to put in before the PWBA Tour beings at the end of April.

Until next time...