AMF FIREBIRD

champs Jake Mullen & Anna Gatlin with Sara Harris & Brian DeLuisa Anderson

        On a day that was as much a mental challenge as a physical one, Jake Mullen and Anna Gatlin came out with titles in exciting JBT Pacific Northwest Conference action at Salem's AMF Firebird Lanes.

        After five qualifying games on an unexpectedly tough pattern, bowlers competed in 'pick your poison', where higher seeded players choose who they want to play against in their matches.  All of this was compounded by a limit to only two bowling balls allowed all day, adding to the grindout nature of the event.

        In the scratch division, top seed Jake Mullen was the only bowler to even approach a 200 average on the day, and in a title match that was indicative of the day's scoring pace, he beat quickly improving Hunter Bower 158-142 for the second scratch title of his JBT career. 

        In the handicap division, Anna Gatlin won a semifinal squeaker from Ben Heisler 209-205, while Sara Harris elevated over Derek Haight 227-190 to set up the all-female title match.  Neither bowler could get that much going in the finale, but in the end Anna toughed out a 176-162 win and earned the first title of her JBT career.

        Harris avenged that loss with a win over Reagan Lorey for the day's Priority Girls Scratch subdivision crown, while Brian DeLuisa-Anderson defeated Bower for the U17 event win.

        Thanks as always to Erik and the team at Firebird for being great hosts.  Over $2,200 in scholarships were awarded to all ages and averages over the weekend- want a piece of the fun and action?  Just check out our schedule and come on down!.