Clemmer paces women's field, Butturff bests men again at 2023 Team USA Trials
January 07, 2023
RESULTS AND INFORMATION
Las Vegas – Friday’s fourth day of competition produced a combination of something old and something new for the spectators taking in the action at the 2023 Team USA Trials at Gold Coast Bowling Center in Las Vegas.
The old was Jakob Butturff of Tempe, Arizona, topping the men’s field for the second time in four days, this time thanks to a 1,440 block total.
The new was Breanna Clemmer of Clover, South Carolina, shooting a six-game total of 1,412 to author her first women’s squad victory of this year’s tournament (after finishing second in Round 1 and Round 2) and members of Para Team USA teaming up with members of Team USA in a four-team Baker exhibition match Friday evening after the fourth round of women’s qualifying was completed.
The exhibition was a fun and lighthearted way to end yet another exciting day of Team USA Trials competition, and it concluded with Team Thornton besting Team Diercks in an exciting title match that went right down to the wire.
Speaking of besting the competition, Clemmer and Butturff did just that on Friday, and their leading performances couldn’t have come at a better time as just one six-game qualifying block remains before competition ends and this year’s automatic spots on Team USA and Junior Team USA are awarded.
If Clemmer can remain as steady on Saturday as she’s been throughout the first four days of competition, one of those spots is almost certain to be hers.
Clemmer was locked in throughout Friday’s fourth round, starting her day with 277 and following it up with games of 227, 241, 220, 223 and 224 to finish with a first-place total of 1,412, which was good for a 235.33 average.
For Clemmer, the day’s success came down to a combination of patience and quality lane-play strategy.
“Today, I saw the picture pretty early, and that allowed me to get my ball doing all the right things,” Clemmer said. “Starting with a big game like 277 is always a good way to get going, and from there I just tried to stay patient and do what I do best.”
Clemmer certainly needed to be at her best as fellow Team USA member Jordan Richard of Maumee, Ohio, was right there with her at the top of the leaderboard all day long.
By the time Game 6 rolled around, it was clear that the day’s squad title was almost certainly going to one of the two PWBA stars.
Both bowled well, but in the end, Richard’s final game of 205 just wasn’t enough, and she was forced to settle for second place on the day with 1,395 (a 232.50 average).
Katelyn Abigania of San Diego was still running with the lead pack until a 184 halted her momentum a bit during Game 5; nevertheless, she recovered nicely thereafter, coming back with 220 in Game 6 to wrap up third place on the squad with 1,362.
Amber Elliott of Northwood, Ohio, was fourth with 1,327, and Kasey Eaton of Wyoming, Michigan, was fifth at 1,301.
Olivia Farwell of Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania (1,286), Jennifer Loredo of Fresno, California (1,283), overall women’s leader Maggie Thoma of New Braunfels, Texas (1,283), Alyssa Alexander of Fremont, California (1,275) and Ashtyn Woods of Santa Rosa, California (1,274) laid claim to the remaining spots in the Day 4 women’s top 10.
But for as great as top-10 finishes and squad victories are, Clemmer has her sights set on the coveted Team USA Trials title and the benefits that come along with it.
“I have a list of things that I want to do, and going to the world cup is one of them,” Clemmer said. “I want to go to the world cup really badly, and having a good week here can possibly earn me the opportunity to do that. It’s exciting, but I just need to stay patient and be myself because that’s when I’m at my best.”
Speaking of being at one’s best, Butturff certainly appeared to be at his yet again Friday as, for the second time in four days, he was simply dominant while setting the men’s bar.
The talented Team USA left-hander didn’t card a single open frame during Friday’s block, which allowed him to strike his way to a six-game total of 1,440 (258, 209, 268, 247, 236 and 222) and add another squad title to this week’s list of achievements.
Butturff averaged 240 during Round 4 just three days after putting up a 253.33 average while topping the men’s field in the opening round.
Even though most bowling fans are more than familiar with Butturff’s abilities at this point, more than a few spectators (and fellow competitors) could be seen shaking their heads and watching with admiration as Butturff continued recording strike after strike Friday morning.
Nevertheless, Butturff isn’t bothered by the attention…or much of anything else for that matter; instead, he just stays concerned with the task at hand.
“When I’m up there on the approach, I basically tune everything out and focus on what I have to do,” Butturff said. “It’s very rare that you’ll see me get affected by something around me, and when I do, I try to tune it out so that it doesn’t lead to bad shots or negative thoughts. I think that’s what allows me to stay in that groove when I’m bowling well, and it’s been a big part of my success out here this week.”
Hayden Stippich of McKean, Pennsylvania, may not be enjoying quite the same level of overall success as Butturff - few have - but he has done more than fine for himself this week, and Friday’s Round 4 performance was no exception.
Aside from Butturff, Stippich was the only bowler in the men’s field to average above 230 on Friday’s 40-foot lane condition. Stippich established an average of 232.67 thanks to games of 185, 257, 247, 267, 194 and 246 (a 1,396 total).
The strong block moved Stippich into the top 25 in both the Team USA Trials and U.S. Amateur standings heading into Saturday’s final round.
Joshua Collins of Davenport, Iowa, had a solid set on Friday as well, shooting 1,370 to claim third place on the men’s squad. Matthew Russo of Ballwin, Missouri (1,368) and Noah Samuels of Canton, Michigan (1,365) came in fourth and fifth, respectively.
Brandon Vallone, who captured the title at the 2022 Intercollegiate Singles Championships in Addison, Illinois, was sixth with 1,363.
The remaining positions in Friday’s men’s top 10 went to C.J. Petrin of Chattanooga, Tennessee (1,352), Anthony Neuer of Milton, Pennsylvania (1,349), Round 2 squad leader Brandon Bonta of Wichita, Kansas (1,346) and William Jones of Anoka, Minnesota (1,330).
Team USA’s Kris Prather of Romeoville, Illinois, couldn’t quite create the same momentum Friday as he did during Thursday’s Round 3 squad victory, and that forced him to settle for 17th place for the round with 1,301.
Prather did, however, manage to give the Gold Coast crowd a thrill by firing 300 during Game 3. Prather’s was just the second perfect game tossed at the 2023 Team USA Trials. Duncan Whitaker of Poulsbo, Washington, shot the first on Thursday.
It feels like shooting 300 is about the only thing Butturff hasn’t accomplished yet this week, but with one more qualifying round remaining, there’s still a chance for him to check that off his list as well.
Nevertheless, Butturff won’t be focused on perfection when he takes to the lanes for his final set Saturday evening; instead, he’ll just enjoy being back in a familiar environment and doing what he loves to do while being cheered on by those closest to him.
“The couple days that I’ve bowled really well, I’ve had family show up. Even though they know it’s my job, I always want to impress them, and that keeps me motivated,” Butturff said. “Having their support behind me and being back in Vegas has helped me stay comfortable this week, and I’ve taken advantage of that.”
Butturff has averaged nearly 250 during the two blocks he’s bowled this week with family members in attendance. If more relatives show up to cheer him on tomorrow, there’s no telling what he’ll do for an encore.
2023 Team USA Trials (Through Round 4 of 5)
Men’s Top 10 (By ranking points)
Women’s Top 10 (By ranking points)
The top four age-eligible men and top four age-eligible women at the 2023 Team USA Trials, based on ranking points, earn automatic spots on Team USA.
2023 U.S. Amateur (Through Round 4 of 5)
Men’s Top 10 (By ranking points)
Women’s Top 10 (By ranking points)
At the conclusion of the fifth and final round of Team USA Trials qualifying, the top three amateur men and top three amateur women will advance to a stepladder final to determine the 2023 U.S. Amateur champions, both of whom will earn spots on Team USA.
If the U.S. Amateur champion already has earned a spot on the team, the spot will be awarded to the next-highest Team USA Trials qualifier based on ranking points.
To be eligible for this year's U.S. Amateur, a bowler must not hold or have held a professional membership (PBA or PWBA) in 2022. Also, anyone who has won a professional title (regional, national or senior) as a professional is not eligible to compete as an amateur.
2023 Junior Team USA Qualifying (Through Round 4 of 5)
Boys’ Top 10 (By ranking points)
*Denotes that player has already earned a spot on Junior Team USA 2023.
Girls’ Top 10 (By ranking points)
*Denotes that player has already earned a spot on Junior Team USA 2023.
The top four age-eligible boys and top four age-eligible girls, based on ranking points, automatically earn spots on Junior Team USA 2023.
Two additional boys and two additional girls also will be selected by the National Selection Committee based on performances from either the 2023 Team USA Trials or 2022 Junior Gold Championships.
Las Vegas – Friday’s fourth day of competition produced a combination of something old and something new for the spectators taking in the action at the 2023 Team USA Trials at Gold Coast Bowling Center in Las Vegas.
The old was Jakob Butturff of Tempe, Arizona, topping the men’s field for the second time in four days, this time thanks to a 1,440 block total.
The new was Breanna Clemmer of Clover, South Carolina, shooting a six-game total of 1,412 to author her first women’s squad victory of this year’s tournament (after finishing second in Round 1 and Round 2) and members of Para Team USA teaming up with members of Team USA in a four-team Baker exhibition match Friday evening after the fourth round of women’s qualifying was completed.
The exhibition was a fun and lighthearted way to end yet another exciting day of Team USA Trials competition, and it concluded with Team Thornton besting Team Diercks in an exciting title match that went right down to the wire.
Speaking of besting the competition, Clemmer and Butturff did just that on Friday, and their leading performances couldn’t have come at a better time as just one six-game qualifying block remains before competition ends and this year’s automatic spots on Team USA and Junior Team USA are awarded.
If Clemmer can remain as steady on Saturday as she’s been throughout the first four days of competition, one of those spots is almost certain to be hers.
Clemmer was locked in throughout Friday’s fourth round, starting her day with 277 and following it up with games of 227, 241, 220, 223 and 224 to finish with a first-place total of 1,412, which was good for a 235.33 average.
For Clemmer, the day’s success came down to a combination of patience and quality lane-play strategy.
“Today, I saw the picture pretty early, and that allowed me to get my ball doing all the right things,” Clemmer said. “Starting with a big game like 277 is always a good way to get going, and from there I just tried to stay patient and do what I do best.”
Clemmer certainly needed to be at her best as fellow Team USA member Jordan Richard of Maumee, Ohio, was right there with her at the top of the leaderboard all day long.
By the time Game 6 rolled around, it was clear that the day’s squad title was almost certainly going to one of the two PWBA stars.
Both bowled well, but in the end, Richard’s final game of 205 just wasn’t enough, and she was forced to settle for second place on the day with 1,395 (a 232.50 average).
Katelyn Abigania of San Diego was still running with the lead pack until a 184 halted her momentum a bit during Game 5; nevertheless, she recovered nicely thereafter, coming back with 220 in Game 6 to wrap up third place on the squad with 1,362.
Amber Elliott of Northwood, Ohio, was fourth with 1,327, and Kasey Eaton of Wyoming, Michigan, was fifth at 1,301.
Olivia Farwell of Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania (1,286), Jennifer Loredo of Fresno, California (1,283), overall women’s leader Maggie Thoma of New Braunfels, Texas (1,283), Alyssa Alexander of Fremont, California (1,275) and Ashtyn Woods of Santa Rosa, California (1,274) laid claim to the remaining spots in the Day 4 women’s top 10.
But for as great as top-10 finishes and squad victories are, Clemmer has her sights set on the coveted Team USA Trials title and the benefits that come along with it.
“I have a list of things that I want to do, and going to the world cup is one of them,” Clemmer said. “I want to go to the world cup really badly, and having a good week here can possibly earn me the opportunity to do that. It’s exciting, but I just need to stay patient and be myself because that’s when I’m at my best.”
Speaking of being at one’s best, Butturff certainly appeared to be at his yet again Friday as, for the second time in four days, he was simply dominant while setting the men’s bar.
The talented Team USA left-hander didn’t card a single open frame during Friday’s block, which allowed him to strike his way to a six-game total of 1,440 (258, 209, 268, 247, 236 and 222) and add another squad title to this week’s list of achievements.
Butturff averaged 240 during Round 4 just three days after putting up a 253.33 average while topping the men’s field in the opening round.
Even though most bowling fans are more than familiar with Butturff’s abilities at this point, more than a few spectators (and fellow competitors) could be seen shaking their heads and watching with admiration as Butturff continued recording strike after strike Friday morning.
Nevertheless, Butturff isn’t bothered by the attention…or much of anything else for that matter; instead, he just stays concerned with the task at hand.
“When I’m up there on the approach, I basically tune everything out and focus on what I have to do,” Butturff said. “It’s very rare that you’ll see me get affected by something around me, and when I do, I try to tune it out so that it doesn’t lead to bad shots or negative thoughts. I think that’s what allows me to stay in that groove when I’m bowling well, and it’s been a big part of my success out here this week.”
Hayden Stippich of McKean, Pennsylvania, may not be enjoying quite the same level of overall success as Butturff - few have - but he has done more than fine for himself this week, and Friday’s Round 4 performance was no exception.
Aside from Butturff, Stippich was the only bowler in the men’s field to average above 230 on Friday’s 40-foot lane condition. Stippich established an average of 232.67 thanks to games of 185, 257, 247, 267, 194 and 246 (a 1,396 total).
The strong block moved Stippich into the top 25 in both the Team USA Trials and U.S. Amateur standings heading into Saturday’s final round.
Joshua Collins of Davenport, Iowa, had a solid set on Friday as well, shooting 1,370 to claim third place on the men’s squad. Matthew Russo of Ballwin, Missouri (1,368) and Noah Samuels of Canton, Michigan (1,365) came in fourth and fifth, respectively.
Brandon Vallone, who captured the title at the 2022 Intercollegiate Singles Championships in Addison, Illinois, was sixth with 1,363.
The remaining positions in Friday’s men’s top 10 went to C.J. Petrin of Chattanooga, Tennessee (1,352), Anthony Neuer of Milton, Pennsylvania (1,349), Round 2 squad leader Brandon Bonta of Wichita, Kansas (1,346) and William Jones of Anoka, Minnesota (1,330).
Team USA’s Kris Prather of Romeoville, Illinois, couldn’t quite create the same momentum Friday as he did during Thursday’s Round 3 squad victory, and that forced him to settle for 17th place for the round with 1,301.
Prather did, however, manage to give the Gold Coast crowd a thrill by firing 300 during Game 3. Prather’s was just the second perfect game tossed at the 2023 Team USA Trials. Duncan Whitaker of Poulsbo, Washington, shot the first on Thursday.
It feels like shooting 300 is about the only thing Butturff hasn’t accomplished yet this week, but with one more qualifying round remaining, there’s still a chance for him to check that off his list as well.
Nevertheless, Butturff won’t be focused on perfection when he takes to the lanes for his final set Saturday evening; instead, he’ll just enjoy being back in a familiar environment and doing what he loves to do while being cheered on by those closest to him.
“The couple days that I’ve bowled really well, I’ve had family show up. Even though they know it’s my job, I always want to impress them, and that keeps me motivated,” Butturff said. “Having their support behind me and being back in Vegas has helped me stay comfortable this week, and I’ve taken advantage of that.”
Butturff has averaged nearly 250 during the two blocks he’s bowled this week with family members in attendance. If more relatives show up to cheer him on tomorrow, there’s no telling what he’ll do for an encore.
2023 Team USA Trials (Through Round 4 of 5)
Men’s Top 10 (By ranking points)
| 1. Jakob Butturff | Tempe, Ariz. | 41.0 |
| 2. Matthew Russo | Ballwin, Mo. | 49.0 |
| 3. A.J. Johnson | Oswego, Ill. | 51.0 |
| 4. Brandon Bonta | Wichita, Kan. | 52.0 |
| 5. Brandon Bohn | Jackson, N.J. | 75.0 |
| 6. John Janawicz | Winter Haven, Fla. | 83.0 |
| 7. Micah Voorhis | Cherry Hill, N.J. | 88.0 |
| 8. Spencer Robarge | Springfield, Mo. | 96.0 |
| 9. Andrew Anderson | Holly, Mich. | 97.0 |
| 10. Brett Lloyd | Nightdale, N.C. | 98.0 |
Women’s Top 10 (By ranking points)
| 1. Maggie Thoma | New Braunfels, Texas | 28.0 |
| 2. Breanna Clemmer | Clover, S.C. | 29.0 |
| 3. Jillian Martin | Stow, Ohio | 38.0 |
| 4. Jordan Richard | Maumee, Ohio | 46.0 |
| 5. Bryanna Coté | Tucson, Ariz. | 59.0 |
| 6. Mary Orf | St. Louis, Mo. | 68.0 |
| 7. Olivia Farwell | Elizabethtown, Pa. | 74.0 |
| 8. Chloe Skurzynski | Carlisle, Pa. | 77.0 |
| 9. Lauren Pate | Ballwin, Mo. | 86.0 |
| 10. Katelyn Abigania | San Diego | 93.0 |
The top four age-eligible men and top four age-eligible women at the 2023 Team USA Trials, based on ranking points, earn automatic spots on Team USA.
2023 U.S. Amateur (Through Round 4 of 5)
Men’s Top 10 (By ranking points)
| 1. Brandon Bonta | Wichita, Kan. | 52.0 |
| 2. Brandon Bohn | Jackson, N.J. | 75.0 |
| 3. John Janawicz | Winter Haven, Fla. | 83.0 |
| 4. Micah Voorhis | Cherry Hill, N.J. | 88.0 |
| 5. Spencer Robarge | Springfield, Mo. | 96.0 |
| 6. Brett Lloyd | Nightdale, N.C. | 98.0 |
| 7. Ryan Barnes | Denton, Texas | 100.0 |
| 8. C.J. Petrin | Chattanooga, Tenn. | 101.0 |
| 9. A.J. Wolstenholme | Trevose, Pa. | 124.0 |
| 10. Joshua Link | Billings, Mont. | 129.0 |
Women’s Top 10 (By ranking points)
| 1. Maggie Thoma | New Braunfels, Texas | 28.0 |
| 2. Jillian Martin | Stow, Ohio | 38.0 |
| 3. Mar Orf | St. Louis, Mo. | 68.0 |
| 4. Chloe Skurzynski | Carlisle, Pa. | 77.0 |
| 5. Katelyn Abigania | San Diego | 93.0 |
| 6. Caitlyn Johnson | Beaumont, Texas | 104.0 |
| 7. Rebecca Hagerman | Loves Park, Ill. | 106.0 |
| 8. Mabel Cummins | Hermitage, Tenn. | 113.0 |
| 9. Victoria Varano | Stony Point, N.Y. | 124.0 |
| 10. Ashtyn Woods | Santa Rosa, Calif. | 125.0 |
At the conclusion of the fifth and final round of Team USA Trials qualifying, the top three amateur men and top three amateur women will advance to a stepladder final to determine the 2023 U.S. Amateur champions, both of whom will earn spots on Team USA.
If the U.S. Amateur champion already has earned a spot on the team, the spot will be awarded to the next-highest Team USA Trials qualifier based on ranking points.
To be eligible for this year's U.S. Amateur, a bowler must not hold or have held a professional membership (PBA or PWBA) in 2022. Also, anyone who has won a professional title (regional, national or senior) as a professional is not eligible to compete as an amateur.
2023 Junior Team USA Qualifying (Through Round 4 of 5)
Boys’ Top 10 (By ranking points)
| 1. Brandon Bonta | Wichita, Kan. | 52.0 |
| 2. *Brandon Bohn | Jackson, N.J. | 75.0 |
| 3. Micah Voorhis | Cherry Hill, N.J. | 88.0 |
| 4. *Spencer Robarge | Springfield, Mo. | 96.0 |
| 5. *Brett Lloyd | Nightdale, N.C. | 98.0 |
| 6. *Ryan Barnes | Denton, Texas | 100.0 |
| 7. C.J. Petrin | Chattanooga, Tenn. | 101.0 |
| 8. Anthony Neuer | Milton, Pa. | 142.0 |
| 9. Landin Jordan | Sycamore, Ill. | 174.0 |
| 10. Zach Greim | Poway, Calif. | 182.0 |
*Denotes that player has already earned a spot on Junior Team USA 2023.
Girls’ Top 10 (By ranking points)
| 1. Maggie Thoma | New Braunfels, Texas | 28.0 |
| 2. *Jillian Martin | Stow, Ohio | 38.0 |
| 3. *Mary Orf | St. Louis, Mo. | 68.0 |
| 4. Katelyn Abigania | San Diego | 93.0 |
| 5. *Mabel Cummins | Hermitage, Tenn. | 113.0 |
| 6. Victoria Varano | Stony Point, N.Y. | 124.0 |
| 7. Ashtyn Woods | Santa Rosa, Calif. | 125.0 |
| 8. Gianna Brandolino | Channahon, Ill. | 148.0 |
| 9. Jennifer Loredo | Fresno, Calif. | 157.0 |
| 10. *Annalise O’Bryant | Ball Ground, Ga. | 165.0 |
*Denotes that player has already earned a spot on Junior Team USA 2023.
The top four age-eligible boys and top four age-eligible girls, based on ranking points, automatically earn spots on Junior Team USA 2023.
Two additional boys and two additional girls also will be selected by the National Selection Committee based on performances from either the 2023 Team USA Trials or 2022 Junior Gold Championships.