The Men stepped up this week, taking back the Top 2 spots that the Ladies had earned in our previous two Pacific visits.  But, the Ladies still made a very strong showing, finishing in 3rd, 4th & 5th.  The other story coming out of Pacific, was the overwhelming size of the 5:00 squad.  The largest final squad that we've had in a long time, came when we also had limited lane availability, making it the most crowded squad we've had in my SEVEN years with the Tour.  Our THANKS, & our compliments, for the patience of the bowlers in that squad!!  The BIG turnout (162 entries - 32 Cashed) also helped to give a healthy boost to both Pots for Kent next week.  The 9-Tap Jackpot got off easy, with Willie Downing & Walt Dalrymple sharing $100.00 for their 4-Taps, leaving the Pot to make a HUGE leap to $3,568.00.  We're now 6 for 6 with Champs earning over $2,000,00 ($2,295.00 this week) in 2014, with a great chance that next week's Winner will be even bigger, thanks to the Progressive Pot growing to an XL $2,597.00.

 

Despite lanes that had been 'dried out' by the larger than usual number of games shot on them, FIVE of the Top 10 on the Cash List, came from thatinfamous 5:00 squad, including our Champion Joe Fincher.  Joe not only had to work hard for his 3rd Career Title, he admitted to fighting some severe nervousness, especially in his last four frames.  Many of us have gotten down on ourselves for allowing our nerves to get the best of us at one time or another, which is also what makes conquering those nerves so satisfying!!  Joe said that he hadn't had anything to drink, which is why he thought his mouth was so dry that he almost gagged!  When the Tournament was over, we understood the very 'Satisfied' look on Joe's face.  After a bad second game (158 throw-out), Joe came back with his two biggest games.  He knew what he needed to shoot in his last game and just when his nerves could have gotten the best of him, he conquered them, with his biggest game (278 scratch), to pull out the Win with an 825 series.  Pat Johns at HiLine drilled the Brunswick 'Aura Paranormal' that Joe used for his 'ghostly' Win.  The nice $2,295.00 Winner's share was already earmarked to take his wife, Julia, on a special trip.  CONGRATS Joe on a BIG Win under tough conditions!

 

Paul Mann had the lead from the first squad (805) and looked like he mightrun away with the low scoring Tournament.  His sweet 2nd Place check of $1,028.00, made him the newest member of the Tour's $10,000.00 CLUB. with career earnings now at $10,985.00 (not including the $4,757.00 earned hitting the Jackpot). CONGRATS Paul!!  While Jennifer Figueroa, in just her second Tournament, took 3rd with her second squad score of 780.  Her Career got off to a very strong start with her $557.00 payday.  Donna Columbo was also looking for her first Win, reluctantly settling for her second 4th Place finish already this year.

 

CONGRATULATIONS to Rick Jack who also joined the $10,000.00 CLUB last week.  Impressively, Rick reached that plateau in just two years, thanks in large part to his 2 Titles which were both BIG dollar Wins.  His milestone earnings are now at a healthy $10,217.00.