California bowler takes singles lead at WC

ByWishelle Banks
USBC Communications

AdamsJeanette2013LARGERENO, Nev. - Jeanette Adams of Rancho Cordova, Calif., experienced a variety of emotions and even got a little teary-eyed after finding out she took the lead in Scratch Singles at the United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships on Sunday.

The 37-year-old left-hander has turned much of her attention in recent years from the lanes to her family, but with the support of her husband, Todd, and two-year-old son, Tyler, she continues to find success on the tournament lanes.

Adams added her name to the record books at the USBC Women's Championships with a 299 game during the 2009 event, but she's now looking forward to the possibility of solidifying her place in tournament history as a champion in 2013.

She fired games of 268, 202 and 278 at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center for a 748 scratch series, surpassing the 731 posted by Danielle Schilling of Ventura, Calif., earlier in the day.

Because Adams entered this year's tournament with an average above 220, she did not receive any handicap. However, her scratch effort was good enough to move her into a tie for sixth place in Diamond Singles. Christine Gill of Lakewood, Colo., leads with 816.

With her husband and son there for support and advice, Adams confidently made a ball change early in doubles that proved to be the difference Sunday.

"The ball I started with didn't quite read the lanes the way I wanted it to, so I asked my husband if I should make a change, and he said to try it," said Adams, who made her fifth Women's Championships appearance. "I fought through the first game of doubles and continued with that ball the rest of the way with a few minor adjustments here and there. I just got in the zone."

Adams took some time away from the sport after the birth of her son, but she has been working hard to get her game back into full swing.

"I put bowling on hiatus for a while," said Adams, who bowls regularly at AMF Mardi Gras Lanes in Sacramento, Calif. "I've been working really hard. My focus now is to just keep bowling and enjoying my wonderful son and husband."

With her singles set in the books, and her heart soaring after her performance on the lanes, Adams doesn't recall having any doubts, distractions or obstacles keeping her from the top spot in the standings.

"I had no clue," Adams said. "I just kind of got in that zone and found that mark. I came in and did what I came here to do, and that was to hopefully take home a championship. Go big or go home."

Adams added 692 in team and 650 in singles for a 2,090 scratch all-events total, which is second in Scratch All-Events and just outside of the top 10 in Diamond All-Events. Elysia Current of Ephrata, Pa., leads Scratch All-Events with 2,104, and Gill also tops the Diamond standings with 2,324.

The Diamond Division is made up of bowlers with averages of 180 and above, with handicap being 100 percent of 220.

Presenting sponsors for the 2013 USBC Women's Championships include Circus Circus Reno, Eldorado Hotel Casino Reno and Silver Legacy Resort Casino Reno.