New division, same results for Vales

After winning three straight Princess of the Lanes tournaments, youth bowler Jerrie Vales was eager to face stiffer competition.

With that, Vales moved up to the women’s division, but despite playing against veteran top guns, Vales was able to step up and conquer the October Pepsi Queen of the Lanes Tenpin Bowling Tournament at the Capital Bowling Center.

Vales bowled on Sunday, the first day of the two-day event, and her score of 745 pins was able to hold its ground, even as bowlers had another day to make a run at the title.

By the time Saipan Bowling Association official Ador Dimaano was going to present the top prize Monday night, it was clear that no one was able to beat Vales’ mark.

Vales was consistent throughout her outing as she kicked off her campaign by knocking down 183 pins. She then caught fire and heated up for 200 pins in her second game, then followed up with 181 pins in each of her final two games for an average of 186.25 pins per game.

Vales also won the June, July, and August Princess of the Lanes competition.

Finishing just three pins behind Vales was Yho Villavicencio, who made a good run in challenging Vales’ score in her final two games.

Villavicencio was able to bruise 176 in each of her first two games, then picked up her level of play and left her, mark on 204 pins. She needed 189 pins in her final game to tie Vales and 190 to win the tournament, but came up a bit short with 186 pins for a total of 742 and an average of 185.5 pins per game.

Veteran Emi Williams took third place with 691 pins, averaging 172.75 pins per game. Williams was able to record 189 pins in her opener, and followed with 141 and 190 pins before closing with 171 pins.

With their performances, Vales was able to pocket $60, while Villavicencio and Williams took home $30 and $25.

Other notable Top 10 performances came from Elena Soll (682), Sophie Fejeran (681), Diane Babauta (676), Marie Manansala (674), Gloria Omechelang (671), and Ron Cal (657).

Vales joined King Arnel Del Rosario and Prince Jeremy Williams as winners for October.

The Pepsi Queen of the Lanes is held every month and culminates with a season-ending championship tournament to determine who the Queen of the Year is. It is organized by SBA.