Surdich on Bowling: Albany bowler takes Modesto USBC Queens crown

A field of 27 women competed in the first Modesto USBC Queens Tournament last weekend at Yosemite Lanes in Modesto.

Each bowler had a qualifying round of six games, and it took a score of 1,387 (231.2 average) to make the cut for Sunday morning’s two-game match play with double elimination.

Brittany Hillman of Fremont was the high qualifier Saturday with a 252.8 average; yep, 252.8 for six. The championship match was close as Karen Rosprim of Albany defeated Jeanette Adams of Sacramento 436-424. Rosprim advanced to the final by winning four consecutive matches. She was crowned queen and took home a check for $2,000. Adams won $1,000 and Hillman $375.

The total prize fund was close to $5,000. Bonnie Garber ($175), Pam Schaal ($175) and Carol Serpa ($125) were the only local women to place.

Yosemite senior no-tap – A few of our local seniors took to Yosemite Lanes on Friday for their monthly 9-pin no-tap, and they made a few bucks.

In Game 1, Janie Schropp, who is still recovering from surgery on her right hip, placed in the first high-game pot, and Kim Heller placed in the third high-game pot. The men’s final series had Keith Hunter in a tie for first place with a handicap score of 916.

Up next on Friday is the Senior Fun Day No-tap at McHenry Bowl in Modesto. This could mean an 8-pin or 9-pin, or bumpers on the lanes. Entry fee is $15, and first ball rolls at 1 p.m.

San Joaquin doubles results – The father-son duo of Larry Valenti Sr. and Larry Jr. placed ninth in the recent San Joaquin Bowling Club’s doubles event at Rodeo Lanes in Clovis. Each earned $65. Valenti Sr. totaled a 748 for the first three of six-game qualifying. The longtime club is back up and running after a few problems.

Peach Classic update – Tim Grimes of Delhi has placed in the 66th annual Peach Classic at McHenry. At one point, he was listed in 64th on the main prize list. Now, Grimes is sitting on $100 for 99th place. Grimes went in with a 184 average and rolled at a 193 clip for five games for a 965 scratch series plus 135 pins of handicap for an 1,100 total series.

The Peach ends Sunday, and there is still time to roll. There are squads Saturday and Sunday at noon, 2:30 p.m. and 5. Call the bowl to reserve a time.

League highlights – The Bellevue Doubles last Tuesday had southpaw Dick Miller lighting up the lanes with a super 685 series, including a 267 middle game. His bowling partner, Lew Reese, had a good day and rolled a 611.

Goodbye dear friends – We have two local bowlers who will be leaving our area this week. Dolores Bayer, better known as Dee, and son Michael are moving to Reno, Nev, where he has been offered a job.

Most of my readers know Dee as a 20-year member of the Merced/Atwater Women’s Bowling Association. She also was a director and a vice president of our local Merced/Atwater Women’s 500 Club.

Michael started bowling once he came to the Merced/Atwater area from the San Jose area. He rolled in the Guys & Dolls on Tuesday night and the Central Valley Nisei league on Thursday night. He booked a 177 last year, a great average for starting out.

They will be missed for their friendship and support of bowling.

This story was originally published July 29, 2015 at 5:49 PM with the headline "Surdich on Bowling: Albany bowler takes Modesto USBC Queens crown."