REVOLUTIONS

champs Joe Grondin, Katie Kipler, & James McGough

        A long day of action at Revolutions saw three bowlers grind out victories in exciting dual So Cal and Mojave Conference action in Barstow.

        Eric Hatchett has had a drought in stepladder finals matches, but finally got off the schneid with a 208-184 win over Cerell Cardines to begin the scratch division's finals.  Kevin Banaag, having his best ever JBT event, then stepped in and stopped Hatchett 203-186.  Grondin then turned the tables on Banaag with a 212-188 win to advance to the title match.

        Top seed Harley Sweigart continued a red-hot April by being the dominant bowler here, but found himself in a low scoring dogfight with Grondin as they both battled the deteriorating conditions.  In the end, Grondin had just enough for a 194-192 win, earning the 8th title of his JBT career.

        Megan Carpenter began the handicap division's 8-bowler stepladder finals with a 219 game that eliminated Eric Phillips (187) and Rieley Ulanday (175).  Phillip Sauve then came in and blasted 242, but his hard luck in finals continued as that wasn't enough, as Carpenter beat that with a big 255 to advance, while Dawson Reese bowed out in fifth place with 174.  James McGough then won the semifinal match against Carpenter and Jeff Rodda to move on to the title game.

        Top seed Katie Kipler absolutely dominated the large field in her home house, perhaps more used to the conditions unique to the wood surface at Revolutions.  However, she slowed down in the title match while the veteran McGough hung in there nicely.  In the end, needing 9 pins to win on the last ball, James threw a beautiful strike for a 214-212 win, grabbing away the title, the third of his JBT career.

        Sergio Torres had the high game of the day, a fantastic 300 effort, worth an extra $100 bonus from MSC, a big supporter of So Cal JBT events and JBT Tour-wide.

        Kipler's big day continued with a 217-149 win over Michaela Buhain to earn the day's Girls title.

        Thanks to Paula and the crew at Revolutions for hosting us.  Want in on all this fun and action for all ages and averages?  Just check out schedule and come on down!