RENO, Nev. – For San Diego’s Kristine Ortwine, her goal was just not to throw a lot of gutter balls in her first appearance at the United States Bowling Congress Women’s Championships.

Ortwine did the opposite of that, because she took the lead in Sapphire All-Events at the 2024 event May 4. The force was strong with her on Star Wars Day.

She finished her appearance with a total of 1,516 pins. Ortwine had sets of 545 in doubles, 486 in singles and 485 in team to take over the top spot from Tracie Cvitkovich of Chico, California, who previously held the lead with 1,458.

Ortwine got into a rhythm early and never looked back.

“It felt overwhelming and amazing all at the same time,” Ortwine said. “So many amazing bowlers are at the National Bowling Stadium and have been doing it at a high level for so long.”

Ortwine added, “It’s definitely overwhelming if you come from a small house and then come to this big stadium. It’s really enormous.”

Ortwine had a great first experience at her first overall tournament. Her cousin was the one that invited her to the USBC Women’s Championships.

“Everyone here is kind, friendly and has a great overall camaraderie with each other,” Ortwine said. “I like how people encourage each other, and it was really cool because I’ve never been to a tournament before.”

Ortwine was shocked that she was in the lead for the Sapphire Division, especially with her being a rookie at the tournament.

“I thought it was a joke, when I got your phone call about me taking the lead,” Ortwine said. “I asked my cousin, who’s a great bowler, if this was for real. I mean I just don’t know if I’ve processed it completely, but it’s really amazing.”

That’s one of the wonderful parts of the Women’s Championships. Sometimes, wonderful and special things happen, and you just can’t explain it.

Sapphire All-Events features bowlers with entering averages of 135 and below.

Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Women’s Championships page.