New Mexico team takes Sapphire lead at 2019 USBC Women's Championships

By Ethan Resh
USBC Communications

WICHITA, Kan.
- Camaraderie goes a long way to helping a team move toward the top of the standings at the United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships, and the members of 4 for Fun of Bloomfield, New Mexico, shared in a great experience on the way to the Sapphire Team lead at the 2019 event.

Led by the momentum of a strong second game, 4 for Fun took over the top spot Wednesday at Northrock Lanes with a 1,859 total. Starlites of Alexandria, Minnesota, previously led with 1,829.

Led by Rosie Martinez's 511 series, the team rolled games of 614, 658 and 587 to ascend to the top of the leaderboard. Martinez was joined by Beth Gillitzer, who was 82 pins over her entering average Wednesday with a 490 series, Sheri Sexton (472) and Nelita Wilson (386).

The teammates talked highly of each other while reflecting on their performance.

"This is what's awesome about bowling with these girls," said Martinez upon finding out they took over the lead.

Sexton admitted she didn't have her best showing Wednesday, but knew she put together the right group as the team's captain.

"It wasn't my best day on the lanes," said Sexton, who made her 14th USBC Women's Championships appearance. "But, that's what being part of a team means. I'm so happy for us. I love my girls."

Although the teammates have varying experience at the Women's Championships, this year's trip to the 100th edition of the event was the third consecutive year the group has bowled as a team, and it's safe to say they're ready for another run at the 2020 event in Las Vegas.

Sapphire Team includes bowlers with combined entering averages of 574 and below.

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