BLECKSMITH BLASTS TO WINNERS CIRCLE!
By Lori Yamasaki
The Western Women Premier Bowlers returned to the mid-California city of Fresno after a long hiatus thanks to AMF Sierra Lanes General Manager, Dennis McConnell. Enlisting the help of Mr. Kelly Carr of the Fresno Sports Council – together they floored another memorable weekend event for the ladies.
Most memorable for Anna Blecksmith! “I’m proud of me”. That was her mantra over the course of the weekend in Fresno. Anna charged through Saturday’s eight games of qualifying. “I really wanted to stay relaxed and have fun”, she recalled. Using The One drilled by Bowlers Depot at Mira Mesa, Anna was very pleased to have qualified for Sunday’s match play finals. “I knew I had to stay focused over the course of the whole weekend”, Anna stated in talking about the stiff competition. “I knew I was bowling well, but I never watched the number”, she continued. Making a charge from seventh to first in match play games four through seven, Anna was only 21 pins ahead of Krischna Howard and Laura Lee Daniel with just the position round match play game remaining. Taking “one shot at a time”, Anna fired a solid game defeating Laura Lee Daniel. However, Krischna was striking a lot one pair away. Krischna needed the first strike in the 10th frame, but an eight count gave Anna the victory.
Anna concluded with her thanks to her husband, Brian, “…for letting me play the game anytime I want, I love him for that and so much more and to my family for always rooting me on from afar”. She continued, “Thanks to my girls - my sisters, for hanging in there with me through it all; always encouraging me, never doubting me; always laughing; I’m just sorry they are not all here to see it and share this with me”. Lastly, she added her thanks to the WWPB. “I’m glad we still have events to bowl, even though there aren’t as many, I still love to come out and see everyone”, Anna said.
Along with our thanks to Dennis and his wonderful staff at AMF Sierra Lanes and the Fresno Sports Council/Fresno Convention and Visitors Bureau, the WWPB would like to acknowledge Ric Hamlin and Brunswick as well as Juan Fonseca for their generosity and continued support.
Upon our departure, Dennis added that he enjoyed hosting the WWPB and we all look forward to returning to Fresno next year. The next WWPB event will be September 28 at Pickwick Bowl and we will round out the year with our annual Mission Hills Mixed Doubles tournament November 22-23.
|
