CACTUS BOWL

champs Russ Oviatt & Samantha Sellers

        Russ Oviatt and Samantha Sellers each earned their second career JBT titles in exciting Arizona Conference action at Tucson's Cactus Bowl.

        Ben Canfield continued his red-hot start to the season by leading qualifying on the tricky 'London' lane pattern.  After the cut, three bowlers are eliminated each game- the lowest score, and the two lowest overall totals, and Ben managed to avoid the upset and survive to the final three.  However, he bowed out in that round, as both Oviatt and California's Ricardo Mendoza beat him to advance to the title match.

        Mendoza was looking to break through for his first JBT scratch win, but had to settle for a career-best runner-up spot as Oviatt defeated him for the victory, the second of the season and career for Russ.

        Kyle Ponzo led handicap qualifying after a big game five, but saw his pinfall lead slip away in the super-survivor rounds, eventually finishing seventh.  Sellers was joined by Max Polhill and Destiny Johnson in the three-way semifinal game, and Samantha and Destiny advanced to the title game.  Sellers, last season's Invitational champion, showed the winning form again in beating Johnson for her second career JBT title.

        Talented Tucson bowler Heather Penatzer won her first Impact Bowling Women's Series title with a win over New Mexico's Sophie Diaz.  Bowlers need three wins to qualify for the Girls TPC in July.

        Thanks to the crew at the New Cactus for doing the same great job they always did for JBT at the Old Cactus.  Want in on all the fun and excitement?  Just come on down to the next JBT event, it's that simple!