Arkansas bowler moves into top spot in Sapphire All-Events at 2019 USBC Women's Championships

By Christian Seaborn
USBC Communications

WICHITA, Kan.
- Dawne Byers of Bella Vista, Arkansas, put together consistent sets this weekend at the 2019 United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships on her way to the lead in Sapphire All-Events.

Byers started her 2019 event at Northrock Lanes on Saturday with a 566 effort in team and added 550 in singles and 513 in doubles on Sunday to get to a 1,629 total. Nancy Gensemer of Bozeman, Montana, previously held the lead with 1,561.

Her total also surpassed the winning scores in Sapphire All-Events from the 2017 and 2018 USBC Women's Championships.

After her strong start in team competition, Byers admitted she wasn't exactly ready to start doubles and singles during her 7 a.m. squad. However, she was able to find her rhythm.

"I'm not really an early morning person," Byers said. "So, it took me a while to get going. But, it's very exciting. It really was a great weekend, and I had a great time. We're already planning for next year's event in Las Vegas."

Byers recently returned to the Women's Championships and was excited to celebrate the tournament's 100th edition with some new and old friends.

"Apart from last year, it's been a number of years since I have bowled Nationals," Byers said. "It was great being part of the 100th edition, especially teaming with two great friends, Pamela Field and Cassidy Sparks. Rounding out our team is now my new friend, Autumn Berman."

The teammates also performed well as a unit in team competition, moving just outside of the top 10 in Ruby Team with a 2,037 total. In addition to Byers' 566 series, the members of Girls Just Wanna Have Fun of La Quinta, California, also added sets of 595 by Berman, 487 by Sparks and 389 by Field.

Garden Center Lanes 2 of Alexandria, Minnesota, lead Ruby Team with a 2,175 total.

Sapphire All-Events includes bowlers with entering averages of 145-159. Ruby Team includes bowlers with combined entering averages of 650-724.

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