PACIFIC NORTHWEST INVITATIONAL

champs Ryan Nikolas, Jordan Jonker, and Kelsey Abrahamse

    Ryan Nikolas, Jordan Jonker, and Kelsey Abrahamsen each scored huge victories, claiming JBT titles at the Pacific Northwest Invitational, hosted by Triangle Bowl in Longview.

    Nikolas qualified seventh for the triple elimination matchplay finals, but was the last remaining undefeated player, finally losing his first match in round six.  By round eight only four bowlers remained.  In that round, top seed Tommie McNeal eliminated Jefff Jonker, while #9 Tyler Boe handed Nikolas his second loss, leaving three bowlers remaining and giving Ryan a bye.  McNeal eliminated Boe in third in the ensuing match, leaving him to play Nikolas in a one game title match.   Tommie put up a good fight, but Ryan would not be denied this exclamation point on his Bowler of the Year season, winning the game 234-188 for the 10th title of his JBT career and $1,000 payday.

    14-seed Payton Edwards stayed undefeated through six rounds of the handicap finals to take the advantage going into the final stages.  Only three bowlers were left standing by round eight, and that gave #4 Jordan Jonker a bye, while #15 Holden Childs stayed alive by giving Edwards his second loss.  Still, it was Payton's turn for a bye, and when Jonker beat Childs, it left Jordan and Payton to play one game for the title. 

    The title match was all Jonker, and he claimed the $1,000 top prize with the title match win.  In addition to the $500 runner-up prize, Edwards gained enough points to lock up the handicap division Bowler of the Year crown.

    The Girls Invitational provided the most drama for season-ending honors, as three bowlers were in contention for girls Bowler of the Year.  Michayla Garden averaged nearly 200 in qualifying to gain the top seed, and Kelsey Abrahamsen's edging out Candice Goldfinch for the #2 seed meant that she needed to win the Invitational to swipe away Bowler of the Year from AJ Schock.  That's a lot of pressure, but Kelsey was up to the task, winning the game 222-197 for the Invite title and BOY crown.

    Huge thanks to Beau Little and his team at Triangle for a great job hosting our Tour as always.  Over $5,600 in scholarships were awarded to all ages and averages.  Want in on all this fun?  Check out our schedule and come on down for every event of the 2016-17 season!