CHANGES ON TAP AT USBC THIS SEASON

There are going to be a few changes in the awards this coming 2012-13 fall season from USBC, according to Karen Tweed, local association V.P., as she was in attendance during the CUSBC State convention recently.

The two-day meeting and work-shop was held in Sacramento.

For starters, USBC is thinking about doing away with the magnets as awards and will start giving out key chains. An honor award, 11 in-a-row award has been changed for the coming year. A laser engraved inside crystal has a silhouette of a bowling pin, star, and 11 in-a-row and is etched clear in the back.

Tweed accepted from the state association a plaque for our association's donation of $2 per bowler for the BVL last season -- our second BVL award in a row.

Peach party

Manuel Salazar is taking a group up to the $1 Million Peach Singles Classic at McHenry Bowl on Saturday, July 14. If you are thinking about rolling the Peach this year, give him a call to get on the squad. (209) 769-1067. It pays $100 for the top 100 places.

U.S. Women's Open

After rolling 40 games of qualifying and going head to head in match play, the top five women will compete for the U.S. Women's Open today in Reno, Nev.

The biggest little championship goes outdoors today at 6 p.m. in downtown Virginia Street under the famous Reno arch. A pair of temporary bowling lanes have been installed under the arch. Over 263 of the worlds best female bowlers from over 16 countries will be competing for the top prize of $40,000.

Roseville's Leanne Hulsenberg, a 28-time professional champion, will be shooting for back to back wins in the Open. Last year she defeated Kelly Kulick 218-183 on specially constructed lanes on the 50-yard-line of Cowboys Stadium in Texas.

Finals will be televised on July 3 on ESPN2 at 5 p.m. PST.

McHenry no-tap success

Roberta and Larry Valenti Sr. finished third in the McHenry Bowl no-tap doubles event last Friday, edging Anie Schropp and yours truly. Roberta also took a high-game pot, and I took a couple pots with back-to-back 300 games.

Summer special at Bellevue

Getting ready for a tournament or your want to sharpen your spare game? Well, you can take advantage of Bellevue Bowl's annual summer day special. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays you can roll for only $1.50 a game.

This special runs through Aug. 31, and is open to those ages 17 and under, 55 and over, and any Merced County league member. Other $1.50 specials include: Hot dogs, nachos, french fries, small sodas and a scoop of ice cream. You can't lose with these prices.

Don Surdich can be reached at (209) 777-1111 or via e-mail at desurdich@aol.com.