Big Money, Big Turnout, Big Scores!  Normal scores, for a "Best 3 of 4" format, would have THREE Members shooting in the 800s.  Saturday, we had four times that many with TWELVE hitting that magic number and they came from every squad.  That's the 3rd Tournament in a row at Hooters that we've seen the scores climb.  Even with the higher scores, the Top 3 finishers were separated by only 10 pins.  The total payout of $8,982.00 was large for a 1-day, 3-squad Tournament.  The Jackpot scare came from Maribel Abella, who created quite a stir when she started her 3rd game with the first SIX Taps.  Every bowler, within at least 5 lanes on each side, stopped to watch Maribel's 7th shot.  It looked so good when she threw the ball, the roar of the crowd grew as the ball closed in on the pocket, turning into a loud AHHHHHH as she carried a beautiful STRIKE.  One pin TOO many, but quite a shot with that much money on the line.  The $500.00 Consolation she earned helped soothe the letdown of coming so close.  The 9-Tap Jackpot stayed at a healthy $8,954.00 for next week.  Watch Wednesday's email for a 'Bombshell' regarding the Jackpot.

 

Our Hooters Champ, Gani Ildefonso, earned his 2nd Tour Title with an outstanding 851, shot in the 2:30 squad.  His 'Throw-Out' was the 3rd game, which left him needing a big finish in his final game to catch the 1st Round leader.  He came through in the clutch, with a 283 (265), which left him with a nine pin margin of victory.  The weapon he used for this conquest, was a HAMMER 'Black Widow Pearl', that was drilled by Dan Sanchez at Kent Bowl.  Gani had a little bit of a "Home Field Advantage" splitting his league bowling between Hooters Bowl and Acme Bowl.  When asked what he'd do with the HUGE payday of $2,442.00, he said he might get a new ball or two and buy some 'guy toys' like a pressure washer or a new generator.  He's usually supported by his wife Tita, who was with him Saturday to root him on.  Gani, who's worked for Boeing for the last 13 years, also asked us to thank his teammates and friends for their encouragement.