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Sunday, September 16, 2001

Edie Meerdo and Amy Ciammaichella, members of the Pittsburgh Women's Bowling Association, won the Division I doubles title at the national tournament in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

The competition attracted bowlers from all over the country.

Karen Prokay captured the Division I singles with a 744 series that she rolled on the final day of the tournament.

This has been a banner season for the Pittsburgh Women's Bowling Association, with 15 bowlers averaging 200 or better, led by Mary Dodds and Denise Komenda at 208.

PWBA Tour

Liz Johnson won her second title of 2001 and the eighth in her career by defeating Wendy MacPherson, 183-181, in the final of the $50,000 Foundation Games V Championships at the Kegel Training Center in Sebring, Fla. Johnson averaged 217.85.

For the year, Carolyn Dorin-Ballard is the leading money winner with $78,780 and has the high average of 214.95. Dorin-Ballard, who has won five titles this year, will defend the championship she won last year in the Three Rivers Open at Princess Lanes in Whitehall.

The Three Rivers Open starts Oct. 15 and ends with the stepladder finals Oct. 18.

Three Rivers Open

The Three Rivers Pro-Am Oct. 14 at the Princess Lanes will be a 9-pin, no-tap tournament with each amateur having a professional as a partner. The amateurs will receive different Brunswick balls depending on their division.

They will be competing for a first-place prize of $1,750 in the open division, $1,000 in the 55-over Senior Division and scholarship money for the junior division (ages 8 through 21).

John Jones, general manager of the lanes, said he expects approximately 600 entrants in the pro-am.

"Our peak year was over 900 three years ago," he said. "The pro-am helps us offset our expenses. We also generate revenue with our program book, advertising and ticket sales. We're looking to break even. We hold the tournament more for exposure than to make a profit."

For more information on the pro-am, call Jones at 412-882-5557.

The tournament trail

Tony Knuth picked up $1,000 by winning a Pittsburgh Bowlers Tour handicap tournament at Brunswick "51" Lanes. Don Stahl was second and Eric Johnson third.

Bob Learn Jr. of Erie earned $50,000 when he defeated Ryan Shafer, 176-172 in the final of the Japan Cup at the Tokyo Port Bowl.

League leaders

Pete Baumiller had high game (254) and high series (662) in the Pittsburgh Moose All Men's League at South Hills Bowl.

Larry Amati's 267 and Chris Dee's 648 topped the Thompson Club Bowling League at Playmor Bowl in Lincoln Place.

Orvel Nutter's 288/771 in the Westinghouse Nite Turn League and Mike Mesko's 258/723 in the Budweiser Quads led the way at New Great Valley Lanes in North Versailles.

Butch Krek's 289/742 was the best showing in the Bud Light $12,000 Classic league at South Hills Bowl.

Johnny Burns' 243/690 opened some eyes in the Sundodgers League at Noble Manor Lanes in Crafton.

Perfecto

Ken Kurtz shot a 300/756 in the Thursday Nite Men's Classic League at Princess Lanes in Whitehall.

Key Larson's 300/692 was the highlight in the Castaways League at New Great Valley Lanes.

What's happening

The Pittsburgh Bowlers Tour is sponsoring an open scratch tournament next Sunday at Brunswick "51" Lanes, with a first-place prize of $1,000 and a $39 entry fee.

The bowling column will appear every Sunday from September through April. We're always looking for good stories, unique happenings and the people behind the scores. If you have an anecdote or an intriguing tidbit, either call Phil Axelrod at 412-253-1103, fax to 412-263-1926 or e-mail to paxelrod@post-gazette.com. Individual scores of 225 and series of 625 for men and 200 and 600 for women will be published every Tuesday.