Adams makes another run at WC
May 25, 2014
RENO, Nev. - Jeanette Adams of Sacramento, Calif., returned to the Reno-Sparks Convention Center as the reigning Scratch Singles champion at the United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships, and she nearly matched her winning-performance from a year ago.
The 38-year-old left-hander rolled games of 233, 247 and 236 on Sunday but her 716 series left her just short of taking the lead again in 2014. Lisa Kelley of Wichita, Kan., leads Division 1 Singles with 748, the same total Adams posted on her way to title last year, while Adams settled into fifth place overall this time around.
This year, the USBC Women's Championships returned to an all-scratch format and introduced a new average-based divisional structure, but Adams enjoyed her return to the tournament and the recognition that came with being last year's winner. She also was eager to see her picture on the champion's wall, see her banner hanging from the rafters of the RSCC and being presented with her championship trophy.
"It was a world of emotions," said Adams, who made her sixth Women's Championships appearance. "I've waited for this moment for a whole year. To walk back in here and see your picture on the wall and banner hanging is pretty amazing."
Adams' run at another title was broadcast live on BowlTV, and after posting 562 in doubles, she switched to a ball she thought wouldn't work at the 44-lane venue.
"I was stubborn in doubles," said Adams, who added a 634 series in team for a 1,912 all-events total. "The ball I was using felt good, so I tried to make it work. I looked at the ball I switched to in singles four times in my bag during doubles, and I said it wasn't going to work. I was being stubborn but decided to give it a try in singles. I'm really glad I made the change."
Adams also had to fight through a thumb insert that broke earlier in the week while she was getting ready for the USBC Open Championships being held across town at the National Bowling Stadium.
"We had a practice session Friday, and while I was switching balls, the bottom of my thumb insert broke," Adams said. "We got it fixed, and it lasted through the Open, but broke in the first frame of the last game. It just kept turning and turning, so I had to be very careful with how I put my thumb in the ball, but I managed to hold up and shoot 236."
Although her score wasn't enough to regain the top spot in the standings, Adams was pleased with her overall performance as well as getting to bowl on the same pair as her youth bowling coach, Gail Smith. Adams also had her son, Tyler, in the stands rooting for her on every shot.
With her 2014 Women's Championships in the books, Adams already is looking forward to the 2015 event and its return to the NBS, where she rolled a 299 game in 2009. She's also very happy that her dedication to the sport she loves paid off with a national championship.
"I don't know if there are any words to describe it," Adams said. "You come here to do well and perform well, and when it happens, it's a feeling of amazement. All of my hard work has paid off, and I will always be a national champion."
Bowlers competing in Division 1 have entering averages of 190 and above.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open/Women's Championships page.
Presenting sponsors for the 2014 USBC Women's Championships include Circus Circus Reno, Eldorado Hotel Casino Reno and Silver Legacy Resort Casino Reno.
The 38-year-old left-hander rolled games of 233, 247 and 236 on Sunday but her 716 series left her just short of taking the lead again in 2014. Lisa Kelley of Wichita, Kan., leads Division 1 Singles with 748, the same total Adams posted on her way to title last year, while Adams settled into fifth place overall this time around.
This year, the USBC Women's Championships returned to an all-scratch format and introduced a new average-based divisional structure, but Adams enjoyed her return to the tournament and the recognition that came with being last year's winner. She also was eager to see her picture on the champion's wall, see her banner hanging from the rafters of the RSCC and being presented with her championship trophy.
"It was a world of emotions," said Adams, who made her sixth Women's Championships appearance. "I've waited for this moment for a whole year. To walk back in here and see your picture on the wall and banner hanging is pretty amazing."
Adams' run at another title was broadcast live on BowlTV, and after posting 562 in doubles, she switched to a ball she thought wouldn't work at the 44-lane venue.
"I was stubborn in doubles," said Adams, who added a 634 series in team for a 1,912 all-events total. "The ball I was using felt good, so I tried to make it work. I looked at the ball I switched to in singles four times in my bag during doubles, and I said it wasn't going to work. I was being stubborn but decided to give it a try in singles. I'm really glad I made the change."
Adams also had to fight through a thumb insert that broke earlier in the week while she was getting ready for the USBC Open Championships being held across town at the National Bowling Stadium.
"We had a practice session Friday, and while I was switching balls, the bottom of my thumb insert broke," Adams said. "We got it fixed, and it lasted through the Open, but broke in the first frame of the last game. It just kept turning and turning, so I had to be very careful with how I put my thumb in the ball, but I managed to hold up and shoot 236."
Although her score wasn't enough to regain the top spot in the standings, Adams was pleased with her overall performance as well as getting to bowl on the same pair as her youth bowling coach, Gail Smith. Adams also had her son, Tyler, in the stands rooting for her on every shot.
With her 2014 Women's Championships in the books, Adams already is looking forward to the 2015 event and its return to the NBS, where she rolled a 299 game in 2009. She's also very happy that her dedication to the sport she loves paid off with a national championship.
"I don't know if there are any words to describe it," Adams said. "You come here to do well and perform well, and when it happens, it's a feeling of amazement. All of my hard work has paid off, and I will always be a national champion."
Bowlers competing in Division 1 have entering averages of 190 and above.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open/Women's Championships page.
Presenting sponsors for the 2014 USBC Women's Championships include Circus Circus Reno, Eldorado Hotel Casino Reno and Silver Legacy Resort Casino Reno.