Oregon bowler takes Emerald lead at 2016 Women's Championships
April 17, 2016
LAS VEGAS - Teresa Person of Tigard, Oregon, decided her 2016 United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships appearance was going to be different compared to her previous 12 visits, and now she finds herself leading Emerald Singles after her performance Sunday.
The 56-year-old right-hander fired games of 228, 230 and 172 to finish with a 630 series at South Point Bowling Plaza to surpass Diane Brown of Georgetown, Texas, who previously held the top spot with 617.
The big change for Person from previous years was bringing a different demeanor to the lanes. That positive outlook helped her finish Game 1 with six consecutive strikes, and she added six more to start Game 2.
"It feels awesome because I feel like I've earned it," said Person, who began her USBC Women's Championships career at the 1997 event in Reno, Nevada. "I seem to struggle every time I come out here, so this year I was trying really hard just to stay focused and positive coming into the tournament. I came in with a positive attitude and didn't let anything get to me."
Person ran into two late opens during her final game at the Bowling Plaza, but she solidified her spot at the top of the standings with a strike to get the 10th frame underway. She was not sure of the score she was chasing, but she had family and friends in the stands cheering her all the way to, and past, the number.
"After struggling in doubles a little, I just slowed down, was taking deep breaths and going back to the basics," said Person, who added sets of 527 in team and 495 in doubles for a 1,652 all-events total. "I had no idea what was leading. I wasn't even thinking about it. I just wanted another 200 game. It's awesome because I've never taken the lead here, and it was nice having family and friends cheering me on."
Although Person has to wait to see if her score is enough to claim the Emerald Singles trophy, she knows how she would celebrate a win at the Women's Championships.
"If I won, I'd probably cry at first, and then brag to my brothers," Person said. "We've been competing at everything since we were kids, so this would give me bragging rights."
Emerald Singles features bowlers with entering averages of 160-174.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open/Women's Championships page.
The 56-year-old right-hander fired games of 228, 230 and 172 to finish with a 630 series at South Point Bowling Plaza to surpass Diane Brown of Georgetown, Texas, who previously held the top spot with 617.
The big change for Person from previous years was bringing a different demeanor to the lanes. That positive outlook helped her finish Game 1 with six consecutive strikes, and she added six more to start Game 2.
"It feels awesome because I feel like I've earned it," said Person, who began her USBC Women's Championships career at the 1997 event in Reno, Nevada. "I seem to struggle every time I come out here, so this year I was trying really hard just to stay focused and positive coming into the tournament. I came in with a positive attitude and didn't let anything get to me."
Person ran into two late opens during her final game at the Bowling Plaza, but she solidified her spot at the top of the standings with a strike to get the 10th frame underway. She was not sure of the score she was chasing, but she had family and friends in the stands cheering her all the way to, and past, the number.
"After struggling in doubles a little, I just slowed down, was taking deep breaths and going back to the basics," said Person, who added sets of 527 in team and 495 in doubles for a 1,652 all-events total. "I had no idea what was leading. I wasn't even thinking about it. I just wanted another 200 game. It's awesome because I've never taken the lead here, and it was nice having family and friends cheering me on."
Although Person has to wait to see if her score is enough to claim the Emerald Singles trophy, she knows how she would celebrate a win at the Women's Championships.
"If I won, I'd probably cry at first, and then brag to my brothers," Person said. "We've been competing at everything since we were kids, so this would give me bragging rights."
Emerald Singles features bowlers with entering averages of 160-174.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open/Women's Championships page.