MIRA MESA LANES

champions Kris George & Kaitlin Mayall

Kris George remained red hot, while Kaitlin Mayall continued a dream 2006, in exciting JBT SW action at Mira Mesa Lanes.

Our popular and nerve-wracking Survivor format was used for this event.  After our normal 5 game qualifier, an equal number of bowlers are put on each pair, with the lowest score on each pair eliminated after each game, until only one Survivor remains.  

Scratch division qualifying was highlighted by Brittany Page opening with a 792 series, and Theo Douthit grabbing the 5-game lead, but both bowlers fell in early Survivor rounds.  In the semifinal matches, George and Devin Bidwell engaged in a classic, with neither bowler missing the pocket.  In the end, Kris' strikes came in the right places for a 258-248 victory.  Bidwell settled for third place and enough points to move up to second in the all-important points race.  In the other semi, Preston Fukumizu got by Mason Sherman 218-176 to set up the title game.

Kris, a winner last week in Nevada, got off to a good start in the title match against first time finalist Fukumizu, but "P. Did-E" made a late charge to tighten the match. However, in the tenth frame, George spared a 2-4-5 to seal a 212-189 victory.  The win was the 8th of his JBT SW career.

The handicap division survivor rounds included some of the best matches we've ever had, including two gut-wrenching ties in the early rounds.  Eventually the field was whittled to six, and in those matches Steven Sensabaugh eliminated Allie Ijams 226-219, Kaitlin Mayall dispatched Travis Evans 246-202, and Kyle Ruzylo beat Eaddie Sayles 232-221, but Sayles, havingthe highest losing score, advanced to the next round.

In the semifinal matches, Sensabaugh came up with a 205-188 victory over Ruzylo, while Mayall rolled on with a 215-188 win over Sayles, sending Kaitlin and Steven to the championship game. That match remained close throughout, and ended in spectacular fashion.  Needing a double to shut out Mayall, Sensabuagh threw a perfect ball but left a smash-8 pin, which he spared, but then got fast and threw his fill ball in the channel, allowing Kaitlin to win with just a 9-count.  Mayall came threw with  strike, and captured the 4th title of her JBT SW career.

Everyone who finished in the top 5 qualifies for the 2006 JBT SW Southern California Invitational Tournament, the regular season's year end event, featuring a guaranteed minimum $1,000 first place scholarship in each division.  Top season-long point scorers also qualify for the 2006 JBT SW Touring Players' Championship, featuring a guaranteed minimum $2,000 first place scholarship per division! 

Thanks to Mr. John Balla, one of San Diego's biggest supporters of junior bowling, and his staff for hosting another great event. 88 entrants shared in over $2,000 in scholarships awarded.  Please continue to help spread the word about the terrific benefits of bowling JBT SW events!