Opening-week excitement continues in doubles at 2023 Women’s Championships

Pictured above (from left): Rebecca Pickering and Carole Wiese

LAS VEGAS –
There has been no shortage of excitement during the first week of the 2023 United States Bowling Congress Women’s Championships, especially in the doubles event for competitors at the South Point Bowling Plaza.

First, there was the duo of Carole Wiese of North St. Paul, Minnesota, and Rebecca Pickering of Columbia City, Oregon, making their way to the lead in Topaz Doubles on Thursday.

It’s not often that a last-minute change to a lineup leads to the top of the standings, but that’s exactly what happened for Wiese and Pickering.

It was their first time bowling together after Wiese’s original doubles partner was unable to make the trip to Las Vegas.

“My team captain was able to get Rebecca, and it worked out perfectly,” Wiese said. “She’s a great partner.”

Wiese led the pair at South Point with games of 182, 157 and 204 for a 543 series, while Pickering rolled games of 123, 102 and 136 for 361 to take control of the lead in Topaz Doubles with 904. Their total was 42 pins more than previous leaders Paige Trench and Mara Kukainis of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, with 862.

“We’re both excited,” Wiese said. “Neither of us had ever been up at the top before, so it’s just a good feeling.”

Topaz Doubles features bowlers with combined entering averages of 249 and below.

Yolanda Maldonado and Kennia Santos at the 2023 USBC Women's Championships
Pictured above (from left): Yolanda Maldonado and Kennia Santos

In Emerald Doubles on Thursday, Yolanda Maldonado and Kennia Santos of Carolina, Puerto Rico, made sure their debuts at the USBC Women’s Championships were one they won’t forget.

Santos tossed games of 174, 216 and 179 to lead the duo with a 569 series, and Maldonado was right there, too, rolling games of 183, 181 and 174 for a 538 series to combine for a 1,107 set. Rose Lockman of Poynette, Wisconsin, and Patricia Lashore of Madison, Wisconsin, previously led Emerald Doubles with 1,084.

The pair has known each other for 20 years, bowl league together and traveled to Las Vegas with a large group from Puerto Rico.

In addition to the lead in doubles, Santos also took over the top spot in Ruby All-Events with a 1,788 total. She added 624 in team and 595 in singles.

It may only be the first week of the tournament, but both pairs are hopeful that their scores stay at the top of their respective divisions for awhile at the Bowling Plaza.

“I know it’s early, but it feels like we’re already winners,” Santos said. “It’s awesome.”

Emerald Doubles features bowlers with combined entering averages of 298-321. The Ruby Division includes competitors with entering averages of 161-174.

The 2023 Women’s Championships started April 23 and will conclude July 2. The event will run for 71 consecutive days at the South Point Bowling Plaza and feature more than 4,200 four-player teams and nearly 17,000 bowlers.

Follow updates and more from the official USBC Women’s Championships Facebook page.