I have been bowling the State Tournament for five or six years now. I generally do not do so well. In fact the last time I bowled well was when the tournament was in our Association in 2003. I bowled like crap in team, but shot well in singles and doubles. Anyhow, today was a test of my mental game, and I passed.
My coach had advised getting to the center, Brunswick Premier Lanes, early to see what was being used successfully. I got there early only to find there were no earlier squads, and in fact we were the only squad for the day. I took the time to make sure the tape was all properly in my equipment and all fit well.
My teammates showed up and I got the sanction cards and offered to check everyone in, which I did. They take off to the pro shop, for whatever reason. I gather them up since we were supposed to go for pictures and they disappear. After waiting in line 3 times because they keep taking off, we finally have the pictures taken. I decided to donate to the side pot. It's $5 per event so I give $10.
It is practice time and the lanes are flooded. I can't get anyhing to move. I decided on using my old Columbia Wine U-dot to start hoping to suck up some of the oil and open up a shot. Practice finishes up and the lights come on for score. We start with doubles.
Game one goes like this 3-4 (1-2-3-5-6-9-10 cover the 1-2-9-10) 6-3 (1-3-7-9 cover the 1-3-9) 5 pin spare 1-3-7 spare double 7 pin miss strike 3-5-6 spare 9 for a 169. I switched to the Lane#1 Viper in the 3rd frame. I entered with a 167 average.
Game 2 8 - (2-8 missed both) strike 7-2 (3-5-6 covered the 3-6) 10 pin spare 3-5-6-10 spare strike 5-10 spare strike 10 pin miss 7 pin spare strike for a 160.
Game 3 I switched to my new ball Ebonite's Total NV. I picked it up from the pro shop Thursday and I rolled it for the first time in practice today. 8 (6-10) spare 7 (2-4-7) spare 6 pin spare 7 (1-3-6) spare strike 10 pin spare 8 1 (2-7 covered the 7) turkey 9 spare for a 199. I take 2nd in the side pot for $15. Cool I'm $5 ahead. Doubles recap 169 - 160 - 199 = 528
We move lanes for singles. Thee were only 2 ladies on the pair and neither were lefties. I don't panic, just decide to paly what I find and keep to the process, making the best shots I can. I decide to also keep with the Total NV.
Game 1 6 (3-5-6-10) spare 7-2 (3-5-6 covered the 6) 8 (1-2) spare 6 pin spare strike 7-1 (2-4-7 covered the 2) 8 (1-8) spare 6 pin spare 10 pin spare 7 -1 (3-5-6 covered the 3) for a 153. This could have been the end of the day. I could have gotten angry, but just kept to the process.
Game 2 7 (1-3-6) spare 7 pin spare 7 pin spare 6 in a row 8 - (5-7 missed both) for a 232. It was good enough for 1st in the side pot and $25. I'm now up $30.
Game 3 strike 3-3 (1-2-3-5-6-9-10 covered the 1-2-10) turkey 7 pin spare 7 (2-4-7) spare 6 pin spare double 7-2 (3-5-6 covered 3-6) for a 203. It was also good for 3rd in the side pot and $5. So I finished $35 ahead. Singles recap 153-231-203 = 588. Partial all events 528-588=1116
During the bowling I was talking with the mother of the score keeper. It was nice to hear her compliments on my delivery and release. I told her I had been working with my coach Juan for over 2 years and the pieces were falling into place. Some of the other ladies in the area also complimented my bowling. My teammates didn't even stick around until I was finished. They were gone by the time I rolled the last shot. I can't wait for tomorrow and team event (insert emoticon rolling eyes) LOL.
When it was all over the mom gave me what I consider the greatest compliment. She said "Your mental game is so strong!" She went on to say if she rolls a bad shot or bad game she gets really angry. I told her I knew what she was saying, I've been there myself. I also told her Juan had worked with me on that too and suggested teh books he had me read. She was excited about it saying she had been looking for that type of book.
In my eyes it was an awesome day and I look forward to tomorrow at Parkway Bowl.