Nebraska bowler leads Diamond Singles at 2026 USBC Women’s Championships
May 10, 2026
LAS VEGAS – In a Mother’s Day performance to remember, Kristen Verner of York, Nebraska, put together a strong showing Sunday at the 2026 United States Bowling Congress Women’s Championships to take the lead in Diamond Singles with a 750 series.
Verner was very versatile throughout her performance at the South Point Bowling Plaza and fired her best score in singles in Game 1, posting 263. She stayed consistent with a solid score of 247 in Game 2. For Game 3, she battled back after opening in the third frame, throwing the final seven strikes to close the series with a score of 240.
Renee Garrett of Spring Grove, Illinois, had set the early pace in the division with 709.
Verner was resilient throughout her achievement Sunday. After starting doubles with 182 and 194, she finished with 279 for a 655 series and kept the momentum going into singles.
“I had the front nine in my doubles series, but I just relied on and trusted the move, transition and got in the right ball,” said Verner, who made her 11th consecutive appearance at the USBC Women’s Championships. “I just took it one shot at a time in singles, and that was the difference.”
With Sunday being Mother’s Day, the moment was made special for Verner by bowling with her mother, Lori Day.
“I am super grateful to bowl with my mom,” Verner said. “I come here every year to bowl nationals, and it’s super special it’s on Mother’s Day. I am so happy that she could see me perform at a high level.”
Verner’s mother also taught her how to bowl.
“I feel like it’s very rewarding for my mom,” Verner said. “Making her proud is the coolest thing ever.”
Verner had 510 in team Saturday, bringing her all-events total to 1,915 for her 2026 appearance.
The Women’s Championships is celebrating its 106th edition in 2026 and making its sixth trip to Las Vegas. The 2026 event is scheduled to feature more than 16,000 bowlers and 4,200 four-player teams competing across 65 consecutive days at the South Point Bowling Plaza.
Follow the action from the tournament’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Verner was very versatile throughout her performance at the South Point Bowling Plaza and fired her best score in singles in Game 1, posting 263. She stayed consistent with a solid score of 247 in Game 2. For Game 3, she battled back after opening in the third frame, throwing the final seven strikes to close the series with a score of 240.
Renee Garrett of Spring Grove, Illinois, had set the early pace in the division with 709.
Verner was resilient throughout her achievement Sunday. After starting doubles with 182 and 194, she finished with 279 for a 655 series and kept the momentum going into singles.
“I had the front nine in my doubles series, but I just relied on and trusted the move, transition and got in the right ball,” said Verner, who made her 11th consecutive appearance at the USBC Women’s Championships. “I just took it one shot at a time in singles, and that was the difference.”
With Sunday being Mother’s Day, the moment was made special for Verner by bowling with her mother, Lori Day.
“I am super grateful to bowl with my mom,” Verner said. “I come here every year to bowl nationals, and it’s super special it’s on Mother’s Day. I am so happy that she could see me perform at a high level.”
Verner’s mother also taught her how to bowl.
“I feel like it’s very rewarding for my mom,” Verner said. “Making her proud is the coolest thing ever.”
Verner had 510 in team Saturday, bringing her all-events total to 1,915 for her 2026 appearance.
The Women’s Championships is celebrating its 106th edition in 2026 and making its sixth trip to Las Vegas. The 2026 event is scheduled to feature more than 16,000 bowlers and 4,200 four-player teams competing across 65 consecutive days at the South Point Bowling Plaza.
Follow the action from the tournament’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts.