What a day! It started when I found out I would be on the same pair as Laura Lee Daniel. She is such a class act and helped relieve any fears before I bowled my first WWPB Tournament in Camarillo. I knew it was going to be a good day.
My coach was there already when I arrived. I greeted him and went to prepare for the tourney. I checked all my equipment to make sure they fit. I sat put on my music to do my relaxation exercises and visualization. With that completed, I sat and chilled.
9:20 AM we were called to the squad room. They went over the rules, double jump policy, ProAm requirements, and upcoming schedule. By about 9:40 we were off to the lanes. We had an extended practice due to some foul light malfunctions on 5-6. I was struggling with finding a line. I have been working on an inside shot and couldn't find anything. Juan came down and we talked briefly. He suggested taking the Black Widow or Total NV and targeting about 7-8. I started with the Black Widow and it struck immediately on both lanes. I then tried the Total NV. It found the pocket, but it took some fine tuning to strike. I asked Juan which to start with. He didn't really say which one, but noted the Black Widow had a little more skid. I started with the Total NV and stayed with it all day.
The foul light problem was finally fixed and we began. I started on 17-18 and we skip a pair after each game until the 8 games are completed. Game 1 I was standing 20 targeting 8 at the arrows on 17 and 21 1/2 targeting 8 on 18. I finished with a 196, I needed the first strike for the 200. It was a much better start than the Camarillo tourney where I shot 126. What was really cool is i didn't get the nervous gitters.
Game 2 we moved to 3-4. It took a slight adjustment on 3, one board different from 17 and 4 was the same as 18. I struggled a little more with my spares and an open in the 10th resulted in a 172. Lanes 7-8 for game 3 and another 1/2 board right with the feet and a board right with the target. Another 10th frame open for a 180.
Lanes 11 - 12 for game 4 and the 7 pin came to bite me in the butt. For some reason I couldn't convert the 7, I missed 3 of 4 in the last frames to cost me dearly. I also missed a 10 pin or 2. I had to settle for another 180. Add 30 - 40 pins for missed spares and I'd be looking at a 210 - 220 game. (I know what I'll be practicing the next few weeks before Nationals)
Game 5 move to 15-16 and find the line standing 22 targeting 8 at the arrows for both lanes. I need the strike and 9 for a 200. I got the strike, then a 4-6 split. The first thought was "Oh man not now" quickly followed by "Hey this is cool I only need one of them for the 200. I covered the 6 and got my first WWPB 200 game.
We move to 1 - 2 for game 6 and I use the same line as 15 - 16. Spares again cost me. An open in the 10th, again and another 172. Game 7 was on 5 - 6 and the line was again the same as on 1-2/15-16. I opened with the front 5 and clean for a 253. I was stoked.
The last game was on 9-10. I got sloppy and had to settle for a 150. Juan asked me what happened. I told him metal fatigue. His comment was how could that happen coming off of a 253. I had to think about it a bit and realized it was mental, just not due to fatigue as much as the thought this was the last game. My first ball wasn't as strong and my spare shooting left much to be desired. In the 10th I dig down wanting to turkey for a 160. I rolled the ball well and it looked like a solid pocket. Something was off and a 5 pin. I just turned and laughed. I covered the spare and again rolled the ball well, this time 10 in the pit. Even Juan was surprised by the 10th frame. He thought I nailed the first strike and he too laughed at the 5 pin. I finished with a 150 and minus 97 for the 8 games.
While not great, it was a much better tournament. I didn't finish last and I averaged 187.875 for the 8 games. In camarillo I averaged 167.3 for the 10 games. A 20 pin improvement in just 3 months.
Juan told me I rolled the ball very well and had a great mental game. He saw me drop my head a few times, but never got down on myself for missed spares or bad shots. I told him the dropped head was after making two or more bad shots and I was telling myself to get back on track. I did a lot of positive self talk, especially after missing the 7 pins or easy spares. I believe I can get to where I want to be and I can compete with these ladies. Cashing will come and so will a title with more work and fine tuning. I can never repay Juan for all he has done for my game. He is an awesome coach with constant support and encouragement. My day will come!