In the Pocket: Mastro’s unorthodox approach works well for her

There is more than one way to achieve relative success and enjoyment on the bowling lanes. Attitude, commitment and natural athletic ability can go a long way in helping to produce solid scores.

Jeanne Mastro’s unorthodox approach is a prime example.

The Scotia High School graduate and part-time employee at Sportsman’s Bowl is a right-hander who rolls a back-up ball or reverse hook. She stands on the left side of the approach and backs the ball into the pocket using excellent speed and a pronounced follow-through. Her pin carry is often extraordinary, and so is her devotion to the game.

Mastro can’t get enough kegling. Her goals are simple.

“I just want to bowl more,” she said. “I like the competition and the challenge of the game. I know what to do, but sometimes it gets in my head. I love the sport because it’s not easy. I know I can get better and learn more about the game. I love to watch the pros all the time — both the guys and the women. I try to pick up some pointers.”

Although the affable Mastro is soft-spoken with an easy-going demeanor, she is extremely focused on her fundamentals once league play begins. Don’t tell her what she needs to achieve a new milestone.

“I’ve always been very competitive, and I always want to win at everything. I don’t like to lose,” she said. “When I miss a spare, it makes me angry. I try to forget about it, but it’s difficult because I know what I’m supposed to do.”

Mastro, 58, bowls at least four times a week, mostly with partner Joe DeAngelo. She competes in the Monday’s Funnies league and in the Daily Gazette league, both at Sportsman’s Bowl, where she also practices at least twice a week.

“We normally bowl five games when we practice,” she said.

Born at St. Clare’s Hospital in Schenectady, Mastro’s family moved to Scotia when she was very young. Her parents enrolled her in the Scotia Lanes junior program when she was 10 years old, and she was an avid bowler until she was in the ninth grade.

“My mom, my brothers, my cousins and my friends used to bowl all the time,” she said.

But in high school, Mastro’s athletic interests branched out. She gave up bowling to become a four-sport standout for the Tartans. She competed as a defensive player on the field hockey team, was a spiker on the volleyball team, played center on the basketball team and first base on the softball team. Her teams were sectional champions in field hockey and basketball.

“I always played a bunch of sports while I was growing up,” Mastro noted. “When we were kids, we played football, kickball or almost any sport on a big field next to our house. We were always playing something. I was a Tomboy.”

Mastro said her back-up ball delivery started very early.

“I was using one of my mother’s bowling balls when I was 12 years old, and I just couldn’t get my wrist to turn over,” she explained. “I just always threw a back-up ball. I’ve tried to hook the ball, but I just can’t do it.”

Mastro continued to practice and open bowl for many years until DeAngelo, a veteran lefty, wanted to join a league together. That’s when they became fixtures at Sportsman’s Bowl, even bowling several times a week in the summer before the pandemic hit.

Mastro’s relationship with Sportsman’s Bowl became even stronger when co-owners Mike Guidarelli and Paul Adkins asked her if she would help out in the restaurant. She cemented her relationship back in 2017 when she demonstrated her baking ability.

“In 2017, I made some cookies, and I asked the guys if we could sell them at the bowling center. It really took off. I must have made 300 or more cookies in a month, and they sold out fast,” she said. “But now, with the pandemic, we can’t do the cookies at the present time.”

Mastro is constantly working on her game and carries a solid 170 average in the Daily Gazette league. She’s averaged as high as 176 and owns career-bests of a 255 single and a 644 triple, both rolled in the Monday’s Funnies league.

“Right now, I’m trying to relax more. Sometimes, I don’t focus the way I want to,” Mastro said. “I’ve got to work more on my mental game. My personality is such that I want to win at everything I do, even in cards or a board game. Bowling is no different.”

STRIKES & SPARES

Audrey Rodrigues became the third female to win a title in the Amateur League Bowlers Association of New York singles tournament Sunday at Uncle Sam Lanes. Rodrigues shot a handicap total of 797 for three games and earned $400. Other cashers were John Popson (794, $200), Joey Harrington (788, $110), Keith Billetts (770, $100), Brett Paulsen (770, $85), Gerald Rider (754, $80), Charles Gray (742, $75), Craig Paulsen (733, $70) Marv Meher Jr. (731, $65), Mike Stammel Jr. (725, $60), Shawn Perez (718, $50), Bob Weiner (716, $50) and Todd Paulsen (716, $50). Three other bowlers earned $40 gift cards to The Warehouse at Huck Finn. There were 70 entries. The next tournament will be a Valentine’s Day No-Tap event Feb. 14 at Town & Country Lanes at 9:30 a.m. There will be special jackpots for no-tap perfect games.

Edward Pietrasz won his second consecutive Capital District Youth Scholarship Tour event with a six-game block of 1,338 (triples of 719 and 619) at Patel’s Kingston Lanes. He beat Brandon Vallone (1,270), Alex White (1,248) and Molly Chiesa (1,227). Forty bowlers competed. The next CDYST event is set for Feb. 6 at 1 p.m. and Feb. 7 at 10 a.m. at Kingpin’s Family Fun Center in South Glens Falls.

The next Empire State Youth Open is scheduled for Jan. 31 at 10 a.m. at Sportsman’s Bowl. Entry fee is $40. Call Sportsman’s Bowl (518-355-4330) for more information.

Towne Bowling Academy’s 11th annual Team Handicap Tournament concludes this weekend with squads at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday. There are only a couple of spots left.. Entry fee is $160 per team. Handicap is 90% of 225, with a maximum of 50 pins per game. Top prize is $4,000. There is also an optional singles tournament for $15 using the same scores. Call 518-355-3939 for more information or to make reservations.

Uncle Sam Lanes is hosting a Super Bowl Singles Tournament, with payouts for both scratch and handicap bowlers. There will be two squads each on Feb. 6 and Feb. 7. General manager Tom Walsh said he is working out the details and will release them soon. For more information, call 518-271-7800.

Barbecue Recreation in Hoosick Falls is hosting a sweeper on Saturday with two squads, 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Call 518-688-5751 for more information.

The New York State USBC will hold a couple of its major tournaments in the Capital Region. The NYS Open Championship for teams, doubles and singles will be held at Boulevard Bowl beginning April 23, while the NYS Masters Championship is set for East Greenbush Bowling Center beginning March 6.

Town & Country Lanes will host the Lab Bakers Doubles Tournament this Sunday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Jan. 30 (3 p.m.), Jan. 31 (10 a.m. and 1 p.m.), Feb. 6 (3 p.m.) and Feb. 7 (10 a.m. and 1 p.m.). Entry fee is $25 per bowler. Handicap will be 90% of 220. One in eight teams will cash. Top prize is $800 for the top team, based on 70 teams.

The Danzy for King Trio Tournament will be held Feb. 27-28 at Town & Country Lanes TNBA membership is required. There are two squads each day (noon and 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 27 and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Feb. 28). First place will be $1,500, based on 80 entries. Entry fee per team is $105 plus an optional singles event for $10. Handicap is 90% of 230.

Congratulations to Cobleskill-Richmondville’s Jeremiah Lawyer, who rolled his first 300 game at Middleburgh Lanes this week.

Sammy V’s 10th Frame Senior Tour will be hosting a Singles Eliminator Feb. 6 at Towne Bowling Academy. Entry fee is $70, and first place will be $1,000, based on 40 entries. There will be four divisions: age 49 and under, as well as the normal senior age groups, 50-59 60-69 and 70-plus. Call 315-256-7100 for reservations or more information.

Kingpin’s Alley Family Fun Center in South Glens Falls is hosting a Scratch Doubles Tournament Feb. 21 at 10 a.m. That squad filled up so quickly that there is a possibility of adding another squad. First place will be $2,000, based on 50 entries. There will be five games of qualifying across 10 lanes, with one team in five advancing to the one-game bracket finals. Entry fee is $180 per team. The event is limited to the first 63 teams. Call Tom Earl (518-763-2734) for reservations.

MAJOR BOWLING

Pro bowler Liz Kuhlkin slammed games of 278 and 279 during an 802 triple, and Steve Hallenbeck delivered a 289-790 in the Reis Group Kim Brown Memorial City League Monday night at Towne Bowling Academy.

Mike Gallitelli tossed a 299 game en route to a 777 triple, Jay Diamond ripped a 279-763 and Chris Fawcett shot a 278-759 in the Sportsman’s Majors Monday night at Sportsman’s Bowl.

Mike Scaccia shot a pair of 269 games on the way to a 1,016 four-game series, and P.J. Derenzo tossed a 267-998 in the Frank DePalma Boulevard Classic Tuesday night at Boulevard Bowl.

Debbie Capullo fired a 1,043 four-game series, Matt Swiatocha tossed a 1,021, Liz Kuhlkin ripped a 268-1,007, John Askew recorded a 1,001 and Kris Impellizzeri rolled a perfect game during a 975 in the Reis Group Kim Brown Memorial Mixed Doubles league Wednesday night at Towne Bowling Academy.

In the Amsterdam Men’s City league Monday night at Kelly’s Imperial Lanes, Chad Chiara banged out a 287-993 four-game series, and Tim Grant produced a 268-969.

REIS GROUP KIM BROWN MEMORIAL CITY LEAGUE

Standings

Vito Sindoni & Son 5-1, 20 North 5-1, DeCrescente Distributing 4-2, J&F Lawn Care 4-2, Towne Bowling Academy 4-2, Team 4 4-2, KKV Recovery 4-2, Rollarama 3-3, Action Bowling Supply 3-3, Downs Roofing 2-4, TSS Printing & Awards 2-4, Syron’s Meat Market 2-4, D&D Lawncare 0-6, Home Tech Electric 0-6.

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Match summaries

Syron’s Meat Market (1)

Ken Wilkins 206-279-238 — 723, Brandon Wolf 207-229-201 — 637, Don Herrington 180-236-216 — 632, Ken LaBelle Jr. 246-243-265 — 754. Totals: 839-987-920 — 2,746.

Vito Sindoni & Son (2)

Scott Chastenay 179-244-259 — 682, Mike DiCerbo 223-191-226 — 640, Rich Strath 233-243-248 — 724, Joe VanDerLinden 245-202-216 — 663. Totals: 880-880-949 — 2,709.

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Team 4 (3)

Cassius Boyd 174-245-257 — 676, John Maurceri 227-256-200 — 683, Charlie Provost 195-224-205 — 624, Marc Fowler 239-236-228 — 703. Totals: 835-961-890 — 2,686.

Rollarama (0)

Ryan Gahan 218-247-199 — 664, Keith Lawyer 154-213-213 — 580, Ron Paradiso 189-228-179 — 596, Dan Rotter 161-200-200 — 581. Totals: 722-888-811 — 2,421.

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KKV Recovery (3)

Nick DiCerbo 208-256-246 — 710, Jackie Malone 182-225-243 — 650, Bob Evans 215-214-248 — 677, Vinny Struffolino 216-235-233 — 684. Totals: 821-930-970 — 2,721.

TSS Printing & Awards (0)

Paul Dumas 213-226-224 — 663, Rick Speckhardt 215-198-188 — 601, John Askew 201-239-253 — 693, Steve Wagoner 181-226-259 — 666. Totals: 810-889-924 — 2,623.

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Towne Bowling Academy (2)

Tom Earl 191-225-245 — 661, Tom DiBell 203-192-214 — 609, Marty Capullo Jr. 209-227-239 — 675, Debbie Capullo 191-214-185 — 590. Totals: 794-858-883 — 2,535.

Action Bowling Supply (1)

Rit Fazzone 163-167-184 — 514, Bob Messick 225-212-164 — 601, Natasha Bidwell 245-167-180 — 592, Matt Fazzone 190-186-237 — 613. Totals: 823-732-765 — 2,320.

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Downs Roofing (1)

Chris Tinkle 190-206-181 — 577 Nick Barnes 204-216-201 — 621, Ryan Karabin 255-237-246 — 738, Billy Wigand 226-269-154 — 649. Totals: 875-928-782 — 2,585.

DeCrescente Distributing (2)

Jessica DeCrescente 233-226-238 — 697, Mark Kuhlkin 246-193-190 — 629, Scott Rogers 235-224-225 — 684, Liz Kuhlkin 278-279-245 — 802. Totals: 992-922-898 — 2,812.

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D&D Lawncare (0)

Tom Rogers 180-216-189 — 585, Laura Rotter 200-227-191 — 618, Bill Judge 234-168-205 — 607, Patti Tenyenhuis 152-257-190 — 599. Totals: 766-868-775 — 2,409.

J&F Lawn Care (3)

Jason Brown 213-231-258 — 702, R.J. Martinez 233-201-257 — 691, Nick Stricos 229-248-222 — 699, Steve Hallenbeck 256-289-245 — 790. Totals: 931-969-982 — 2,882.

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Home Tech Electric (0)

Jenn Schissler 200-254-235 — 689, Chuck Schissler 224-181-168 — 573 ,Ronnie Zadrozny 266-196-209 — 671, Gabe Criscuolo 180-241-220 — 641. Totals: 870-872-832 — 2,574.

20 North (3)

Tommy Donato 205-195-221 — 621, Kenny Livengood 245-267-234 — 746, Joel Donato 279-182-208 — 669, Chris Radliff 194-239-213 — 646. Totals: 923-883-876 — 2,682.

SPORTSMAN’S MAJORS

Standings

Rollin’ Smoke BBQ 4-0, Mike’s Hot Dogs 4-0, Muny Grille 3-1, Universal Auto Parts 3-1, Bob’s Pro Shop 3-1, G&Dz Pizza 3-1, Next Level Detailing 1-3, Metroland Photo 1-3, Café One-Eleven 1-3, Klonowski’s Pro Shop 1-3, The Appliance Specialist 0-4, IDID 0-4.

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Match summaries

Mike’s Hot Dogs (4)

Doug Semerad 205-224-236 — 665, Tammy Sader 242-244-257 — 743, Rich Rogaski 215-200-276 — 691, Kevin Palmer 239-241-213 — 693. Totals: 901-909-982 — 2,792.

IDID (0)

Tony Fernandez 204-237-257 — 698, Joe Gordon 172-161-247 — 580, A.J. Perone 177-257-208 — 642, Jim Valentino 196-224-235 — 655. Totals: 749-879-947 — 2,575.

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The Appliance Specialist (0)

Melissa Bogholtz 191-249-212 — 652, Steve Fawcett 192-224-176 — 592, Zach Gravell 181-140-232 — 553, Chris Fawcett 246-235-278 — 759. Totals: 810-848-898 — 2,556.

Rollin’ Smoke BBQ (4)

John Leone 249-216-258 — 723, Bill Carl 227-222-218 — 667, Kalynn Carl 255-200-229 — 684, Justin Carl 227-249-245 — 721. Totals: 958-887-950 — 2,795.

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G&Dz Pizza (3)

Ernest LaDuke Jr. 196-235-192 — 623, Rich Ellis 278-218-203 — 699, Jason Deitz 157-198-152 — 507, Mike Piotrowski 234-242-195 — 671. Totals: 865-893-742 — 2,500.

Klonowski’s Pro Shop (1)

Bob Mock 184-171-173 — 528, Ted Klonowski Jr. 195-170-177 — 542, Jackielynn Noble 161-191-247 — 599, Jim Petronis 233-245-227 — 705. Totals: 773-777-824 — 2,374.

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Metroland Photo (1)

Lee Quivey 159-233-234 — 626, Steve Renzi 237-199-223 — 659, Mike Gallitelli 299-232-246 — 777, B.J. Smith Jr. 214-258-217 — 689. Totals: 909-922-920 — 2,751.

Universal Auto Parts (3)

Andy Smith 225-235-248 — 708, Bill Heaphy III 231-268-191 — 690, Chris Smith 243-259-242 — 744, Chris Fedden 247-213-180 — 640. Totals: 946-975-861 — 2,782.

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Next Level Detailing (1)

Mike Guidarelli 236-212-183 — 631, Tom Siatkowski 257-185-209 — 651 Jim Bassotti 268-213-216 — 697, Matt Swiatocha 212-237-223 — 672. Totals: 973-847-831 — 2,651.

Bob’s Prop Shop (3)

B.J. Rucinski Jr. 233-266-236 — 735, Earl Lawrence Jr. 207-203-179 — 589, Bob Tedesco Jr. 192-245-215 — 652, Mike Smith 201-248-235 — 684. Totals: 833-962-865 — 2,660.

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Café One-Eleven (1)

Joe DiBiase 188-221-182 — 591, Joe Venduro IV 289-187-236 — 712, Cory Buckley 192-206-235 — 634, Tyler Mochrie 257-201-183 — 641. Totals: 927-815-836 — 2,578.

Muny Grille (3)

Jay Diamond 237-279-247 — 763, Dave Bingham 222-210-225 — 657, John Musto Jr. 245-205-190 — 640, Jamie Diamond 208-254-225 — 687. Totals: 912-948-8887 — 2,747.

FRANK DEPALMA BOULEVARD CLASSIC

Standings

Derenzo’s Tax Service 32-13, Masons Automotive 27.5-17.5, Downs Roofing 27-18, Boulevard Bowl 20-25, Kalpro 18-27, D.A. Parisi & Co. 10.5-34.5.

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Match summaries

Derenzo’s Tax Service (4)

P.J. Derenzo 248-226-257-267 — 998, Austin Zullo 220-197-248-228 — 893, Bob Tuttle 215-247-235-246 — 943. Totals: 683-670-740-741 — 2,834.

Masons Automotive (1)

Mark Hansen 226-177-248-215 — 866, Robin Fredenburgh 223-181-205-257 — 886, B.J. Smith Jr. 239-203-211-224 — 877. Totals: 688-561-664-696 — 2,609.

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Downs Roofing (4)

Zach Strachan 214-192-190-259 — 855, Tony Bianchi 234-169-190-213 — 806, Ryan Karabin 227-201-222-232 — 882. Totals: 675-562-602-704 — 2,543.

Kalpro (1)

Keith Lawyer 191-193-214-236 — 834, Kyle Wilkins 177-181-151-179 — 688, Joe Carusone 227-257-219-235 — 938. Totals: 595-631-584-650 — 2,460.

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Boulevard Bowl (4)

Mike Scaccia 253-225-269-269 — 1,016, Brian Hart 234-191-197-150 — 772, Cory Bennett 174-192-217-244 — 827. Totals: 661-608-683-663 — 2,615.

D.A. Parisi & Co. (1)

John Mecca 220-248-205-215 — 888, Jeff Williams 157-191-186-214 — 748, Ken Wilkins 180-237-205-215 — 837. Totals: 557-676-596-644 — 2,478.

AMSTERDAM MEN’S CITY LEAGUE

Standings

Excellent Autos 111-60, JLD 101-70, Imperial Lanes 101-70, RJ Sheetmetal 95-76, Skyview Lounge 95-76, Team Bryk 87-84, Team Schultz 77-94, Team Mason 76-95, Team Majewski 51-120, Liberatore Electric 43-128.

Leaderboard

Chad Chiara 287-993, Tim Grant 268-969, Bill Mason Jr. 244-929, Ken Myers 266-924, Larry Banta 268-901, Bob Minery 256-897, Mike Miseno 235-873, AJ Bryk 247-866, Brendan McGillin 224-863, Billy McGaffin 244-863.

REIS GROUP KIM BROWN MEMORIAL MIXED DOUBLES

Standings

Towne Bowling Academy 54-6, Team 11 45-15, Sindoni Sausage 40-20, Next Level Detailing 38-22, Loyal Nutrition 38-22, CDMVS 35-25, Pete’s Auto 33-27, Rogers MotorSports 30-30, Team 12 30-30, TSS Printing & Awards 29-31, EARRRRL’S 27-33, Never Enough Performance 26.5-33.5, Boulevard Bowl 26-34, Team 8 25-35, Sportsman’s Bowl 24-36, A-Plus Heating & Cooling 23.5-36.5, Revolutions Pro Shop 23-37, J&U 23-37, Team 9 19-41, 15 Church 11-49.

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Match summaries

Team 11 (14)

Kris Impellizzi 201-216-258-300 — 975, Scott Rogers 239-233-258-228 — 958. Totals: 460-469-536-548 — 2,013.

J&U (6)

Ursula Pasquerella 180-194-244-179 — 797, Joe Venduro 267-200-255-171 — 893. Totals: 489-436-541-392 — 1,858.

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TSS Printing & Awards (9)

Jackie Malone 164-267-225-257 — 913, Paul Dumas 233-204-167-227 — 831. Totals: 434-508-429-521 — 1,892.

Team 12 (11)

Janelle Irwin 225-221-257-202 — 905, Steve Irwin 192-234-248-181 — 855. Totals: 460-498-548-426 — 1,932.

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Sportsman’s Bowl (4)

Erika Poje 234-235-206-188 — 863, Kenny Livengood 214-209-266-210 — 899. Totals: 483-479-507-433 — 1,902.

CDMVS (16)

Chris Allen-Valenzuela 290-217-216-246 — 969, John Askew 233-265-268-235 — 1,001. Totals: 545-504-506-503 — 2,058.

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Team 9 (6)

Kaitlyn Barnes 209-224-172-210 — 815, Nick Barnes 205-278-186-141 — 810. Totals: 444-532-388-381 — 1,745.

Loyal Nutrition (14)

Amber Dominic 222-167-212-185 — 786, Vinny Struffolino 197-235-176-188 — 796.Totals: 463-446-432-417 — 1,758.

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Team 8 (4)

Elizabeth Criscuolo 130-137-159-170 — 596, Gabe Criscuolo 223-202-254-148 — 827. Totals: 430-416-490-395 — 1,731.

Next Level Detailing (16)

Kim Swiatocha 191-204-203-171 — 769, Matt Swiatocha 258-239-256-268 — 1,021. Totals: 467-461-477-457 — 1,862.

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EARRRRL’S (9)

Rene Earl 254-228-163-178 — 823, Tom Earl 225-244-216-279 — 964. Totals: 513-506-413-491 — 1,923.

Sindoni Sausage (11)

Liz Kuhlkin 257-268-248-234 — 1,007, Joe VanDerLinden 227-226-202-269 — 924. Totals: 485-495-451-504 — 1,935.

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A-Plus Heating & Cooling (8)

Michelle Largeteau 99-130-142-163 — 534, Tony Pasquerella 172-172-201-138 — 683. Totals: 384-415-456-414 — 1,669.

Pete’s Auto (12)

Jenn Schissler 190-193-211-227 — 821, Chuckie Schissler 173-149-171-192 — 685. Totals: 411-390-430-467 — 1,698.

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Boulevard Bowl (2)

Lisa Rathbun-Read 187-194-225-202 — 808, Cliff Ruth 185-192-247-184 — 808. Totals: 401-415-501-415 — 1,732.

Never Enough Performance (18)

Kate Clark 247-182-224-215 — 868, Jamie Duncan 243-208-258-225 — 934. Totals: 529-429-521-479 — 1,958.

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Revolutions Pro Shop (14)

Lindsey McPhail 191-223-203-225 — 842, Don Herrington 225-257-252-259 — 993. Totals: 430-494-469-498 — 1,891.

Rogers MotorSports (6)

Kelly Chrzanowski 236-194-211-216 — 857, Tom Rogers 254-210-196-170 — 830. Totals: 524-438-441-420 — 1,823.

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Towne Bowling Academy (19)

Debbie Capullo 248-265-266-264 — 1,043, Ryan Gahan 234-227-265-214 — 940. Totals: 500-510-549-496 — 2,055.

15 Church (1)

Aliyah Liberatore 203-199-168-155 — 735, Ben Empie 199-188-184-196 — 767. Totals: 467-452-417-426 — 1,762.

Reach Bob Weiner at [email protected].

Categories: Sports