Bowling: Split no concern as Martinez. Schissler advance in doubles

PHOTOGRAPHER: Bob Weiner

In one frame, Bob Martinez’s emotions went up and down like a roller coaster during the single-elimination match-play finals of the Huck Finn Mixed Doubles Tournament Sunday at Boulevard Bowl.

The 34-year-old standout from Ballston Spa thought he needed to get a mark in the final frame of his match with Mark and Sharon Ray, but instead, he left a pocket 7-10 split.

“I thought I really needed that one,” he said.

But as it turned out, Martinez and partner Jenn Schissler were able to pull out a tight 454-441 victory that earned them each a second appearance on the “Capital Region Bowling Show.”

Also earning spots in the mixed doubles event, to be taped Feb. 27 at Alpha Lanes in Troy, were the husband-and-wife duo of John and Windy DiMarco, Mark Kepner and daughter-in-law Jen Kryzak and the husband-wife tandem of Jeremy and Nayomi Yando.

Both Martinez and Schissler bowled extremely well during the three-game qualifier. Martinez rolled his 43rd perfect game during a 740 triple, while Schissler added a 267-657.

Martinez, who also has 12 800 triples, competes Monday nights in the Schenectady League at Rolling Greens, Tuesday nights in the Boulevard Classic and Thursday nights in the Capital District All Star league at Sportsman’s.

Schissler, who recently registered her first 800 triple, competes in the DV Greco Insurance Women’s Doubles league Wednesday nights at Towne Bowling Academy. She averages 221, and has four perfect games to her credit.

“The thing I remember the most about my first time on television was that it was so hot under the lights,” she said. “I wasn’t that nervous.”

The DiMarcos pulled off one of two major upsets in match play by stopping Joe Mazuryk and his cousin, Katie Duncan, 508-474. Although the 47-year-old John DiMarco carries a 221 average in his two leagues at Iroquois Lanes in Canajoharie and Perry Lanes in Johnstown, his wife, who will be 40 next month, has just a 167 average. They received 50 pins handicap.

“I wasn’t nervous, but I was pumped,” said Wendy DiMarco. “We were under pressure, bowling some good bowlers, but I know my husband is a good bowler, too.”

John DiMarco has 13 perfect games and three 800 triples.

The Yandos also pulled an upset by defeating Dave Bingham and Jodi Musto, 515-452, with the help of 46 pins handicap. Two big splits cost Bingham, who shot a 713 in qualifying. Musto, a two-time women’s national average leader, shot a 751 in qualifying.

The most experienced bowler to advance to the television finals was Kepner, the 52-year-old Lansingburgh High School bowling coach who carries a 218 average in leagues at Hilltop Bowl and Uncle Sam Lanes.

“This will be my fifth TV show. I’m 2-2, so far, with two wins,” he said.

Although eight teams made the cut for match play, the top 11 teams cashed.

RESULTS

Qualifying — Roy Vanderbogart (300-812)-Jen Pike (642), plus 81 handicap, 1,535; Mark Ray (772)-Sharon Ray (650), plus 54 handicap, 1,476; Dave Bingham (713)-Jodi Musto (751), 1,464; Joe Mazuryk (760)-Katie Duncan (673), 1,433; John DiMarco (701)-Windy DiMarco (575), plus 150 handicap, 1,426; Jeremy Yando (688)-Nayomi Yando (593), plus 138 handicap, 1,419; Bob Martinez (300-740)-Jenn Schissler (657), plus 21 handicap, 1,418; Mark Kepner (716)-Jen Kryzak (616), plus 84 handicap, 1,416.

Other cashers — Jim Petronis (727)-Joni Petronis (532), plus 150 handicap, 1,409; T.R. Milette (722)-Maureen Milette (532), plus 150 handicap, 1,404; Dan Kozakiewicz (722)-Hillary DiBiase (523), plus 150 handicap, 1,395.

Other leading scores — John Alix (690)-Diane Denne (553), plus 150 handicap, 1,393; Bob Faragon (702)-Ursula Pasquerella (688), 1,390; Mike Drexel (700)-Julie Drexel (638), plus 51 handicap, 1,389; Scott Rogers (711)-Katie Feiden (621), plus 48 handicap, 1,380; Bill Neumann (657)-Sue Neumann (720), 1,377; John Leone (710)-Tammy Sader (662), 1,372; Rick Mochrie Jr. (670)-Robin Fredenburgh (693), 1,383; Don Baker (694)-Nichole Childs (519), plus 150 handicap, 1,63; Pat Yando (628)-Misty Yando (624), plus 108 handicap, 1,360.