Texas couple soars into Classified Doubles lead at 2021 USBC Open Championships
June 03, 2021
By Cassidy Courey
USBC Communications
LAS VEGAS - The 2021 United States Bowling Congress Open Championships has seen competitors wear some fun and wild jerseys.
For the husband-and-wife duo of Thomas and Sonia Holguin of Northlake, Texas, their shirts had a deeper meaning and made their lead-taking performance Wednesday at the South Point Bowling Center that much more special.
Bowling is a family affair for the couple, but one important fan was missing as they surged to the top of the standings in Classified Doubles by nearly 90 pins, shooting 1,211.
Thomas' mother died in August 2020 due to complications from COVID-19. Her favorite animal was the flamingo, so the Holguins competed while wearing tropical-themed shirts that featured flamingos in remembrance.
Their inspired performance included a 667 series from Thomas, the best set of his six appearances at the USBC Open Championships, while Sonia added a 544 series to lift them past Blaine Pierce and Johnny Anderson of Richfield, Utah, who previously held the lead with 1,125.
Thomas' father usually bowls, as well, but he was unable to make the trip this year.
"I was saying that we bowled well because it's our first time wearing these shirts, and we felt like his mom was with us," said Sonia Holguin, a 40-year-old right-hander who made her tournament debut this week.
With 2021 marking the couple's first appearance together at the Open Championships, their goals were simple, and they never expected to be leaving with the lead.
Heading into their final game of doubles, they needed just 278 pins to secure the top spot, but they didn't have any idea. Not knowing actually prevented any added nervousness.
"We just show up not to fall on our faces," Thomas Holguin said. "We were just hoping to stay consistent and have fun."
Thomas, a 44-year-old right-hander, finished his 2021 Open Championships campaign with 531 in singles and 505 in team for a 1,703 all-events total, also a career best. Sonia added 542 in singles and 459 in team for 1,545.
At home, the two bowl at AMF Lewisville Lanes in Lewisville, Texas.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open Championships Facebook page.
USBC Communications
LAS VEGAS - The 2021 United States Bowling Congress Open Championships has seen competitors wear some fun and wild jerseys.
For the husband-and-wife duo of Thomas and Sonia Holguin of Northlake, Texas, their shirts had a deeper meaning and made their lead-taking performance Wednesday at the South Point Bowling Center that much more special.
Bowling is a family affair for the couple, but one important fan was missing as they surged to the top of the standings in Classified Doubles by nearly 90 pins, shooting 1,211.
Thomas' mother died in August 2020 due to complications from COVID-19. Her favorite animal was the flamingo, so the Holguins competed while wearing tropical-themed shirts that featured flamingos in remembrance.
Their inspired performance included a 667 series from Thomas, the best set of his six appearances at the USBC Open Championships, while Sonia added a 544 series to lift them past Blaine Pierce and Johnny Anderson of Richfield, Utah, who previously held the lead with 1,125.
Thomas' father usually bowls, as well, but he was unable to make the trip this year.
"I was saying that we bowled well because it's our first time wearing these shirts, and we felt like his mom was with us," said Sonia Holguin, a 40-year-old right-hander who made her tournament debut this week.
With 2021 marking the couple's first appearance together at the Open Championships, their goals were simple, and they never expected to be leaving with the lead.
Heading into their final game of doubles, they needed just 278 pins to secure the top spot, but they didn't have any idea. Not knowing actually prevented any added nervousness.
"We just show up not to fall on our faces," Thomas Holguin said. "We were just hoping to stay consistent and have fun."
Thomas, a 44-year-old right-hander, finished his 2021 Open Championships campaign with 531 in singles and 505 in team for a 1,703 all-events total, also a career best. Sonia added 542 in singles and 459 in team for 1,545.
At home, the two bowl at AMF Lewisville Lanes in Lewisville, Texas.
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open Championships Facebook page.