SURF BOWL

champs Anthony Cando & Tanner Ferguson, with Girls Scratch winner Brittany Kolatzny and U17 winner Trevor Thompson

        Anthony Cando was almost perfect, while Tanner Ferguson had to come from behind, but both results were good for exciting wins in JBT Southern California Conference action at Oceanside's Surf Bowl.   

        After five qualifying games, the top bowlers competed in two-game total pinfall matchplay.  Cortez Schenck qualified first for the second consecutive day, and just like the previous day he worked his way into the title match, getting by Dustin Yauney and Taylor Berry to get to the final.  Cando meanwhile defeated Donovan Koff and then Ryan Lee in a thrilling 207-206 semifinal win to advance against Schenck for the title.

        It usually takes a good score to beat all-time title leader Cortez for a title, and his good friend Anthony knows this.  Anthony came out with strike after strike, but after three opening 8-counts, Cortez pushed him all the way with strikes through the tenth.  Cando's strike in the ninth wrapped up the title, but the excitement only built as he followed with strikes ten and eleven.  His final ball crept up just high and left a 4-pin, denying his chance to become the seventh bowler to roll 300 in a JBT title match, but still earning his third career title and a $500 scholarship windfall with the 299-243 win.

        Peter Ruiz led the qualifying round for the first time, and got through matchplay up until the semifinals, where Ferguson upset him 234-183 to move on to the final.  Alberto Bernal also beat a higher seed, Nolan Am-Khong, 187-184, in the other semi to set up the title tilt. 

        Bernal had a solid lead in the championship match, but a late triple from Ferguson was enough to turn the tables.  The 204-197 final was good for the first JBT title of Tanner's career and a big $600 winner's scholarship payday.

        Brittany Kolatzny came up with a Tour-leading sixth Girls Scratch title of the season, beating Kaylee Am-Khong.  Trevor Thompson beat Taylor Berry for the day's U17 win.

        Big thanks to Surf for a great hosting job, as well as Priority Girl Magazine, whose incredibly generous contributions allowed for over $3,000 to be awarded on the day, and over $6,700 on the weekend- WOW!  Want in on all that?  Check out our schedule and come on down!