Utah bowlers take lead in Ruby Doubles at 2026 Women’s Championships
June 25, 2026
LAS VEGAS – Bowlers keep striving for high scores at the 2026 United States Bowling Congress Women’s Championships as new leaders emerged in Ruby Doubles on Tuesday at the South Point Bowling Plaza.
Kathleen Brown of Ogden, Utah, and Crystal Monzella of South Ogden, Utah, rolled games of 433 in Game 1, 443 in Game 2 and 360 in Game 3 to finish with a series total of 1,236. Monzella led the way with a solid 690 series (236-246-208), and Brown added a strong 546 (197-197-152).
Houston’s Monica and Miranda Fuentes had held the lead since May 25 with 1,191.
The ladies knew that they were doing well in doubles but didn’t realize how well. They received the news going into singles, and the excitement began.
“We knew we were doing well, but when we were told we took the lead for this event, it was such a big surprise,” Brown said.
“This was such a big celebration for the both of us,” Monzella said.
Going into doubles, the mindset was a little mixture of everything. From having fun to also taking it frame by frame, this mixture played into their strong suit and gave them a boost to do well.
“We always try to have a good time,” Brown said.
“For me, I take it shot by shot,” Monzella said. “I knew if we stayed levelheaded, we would do just fine.”
They’ve been bowling together for quite some time, which made the experience even more enjoyable for the two ladies.
“We get along great, and doing this is like icing on the cake of the whole friendship – I couldn’t have had a better partner,” Brown said. “She’s also part of the family now, dating my granddaughter’s uncle.”
“We were talking, and I said, ‘I don’t want to bowl with someone I don’t like,’ so getting to bowl with some I enjoy makes a huge difference,” Monzella said. “It really motivates you both to do well!”
Having the score stick to the end of the tournament on June 28 and coming home with a win would mean the world to them.
“It would truly be amazing,” Brown said.
“I don’t know how to explain it, but it would be exciting,” Monzella said.
Ruby Doubles features bowlers with combined entering averages of 311-350.
The Women’s Championships is celebrating its 106th edition in 2026 and making its sixth trip to Las Vegas. The 2026 event is scheduled to feature more than 16,000 bowlers and 4,200 four-player teams competing across 65 consecutive days at the South Point Bowling Plaza.
Follow the action from the tournament’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Kathleen Brown of Ogden, Utah, and Crystal Monzella of South Ogden, Utah, rolled games of 433 in Game 1, 443 in Game 2 and 360 in Game 3 to finish with a series total of 1,236. Monzella led the way with a solid 690 series (236-246-208), and Brown added a strong 546 (197-197-152).
Houston’s Monica and Miranda Fuentes had held the lead since May 25 with 1,191.
The ladies knew that they were doing well in doubles but didn’t realize how well. They received the news going into singles, and the excitement began.
“We knew we were doing well, but when we were told we took the lead for this event, it was such a big surprise,” Brown said.
“This was such a big celebration for the both of us,” Monzella said.
Going into doubles, the mindset was a little mixture of everything. From having fun to also taking it frame by frame, this mixture played into their strong suit and gave them a boost to do well.
“We always try to have a good time,” Brown said.
“For me, I take it shot by shot,” Monzella said. “I knew if we stayed levelheaded, we would do just fine.”
They’ve been bowling together for quite some time, which made the experience even more enjoyable for the two ladies.
“We get along great, and doing this is like icing on the cake of the whole friendship – I couldn’t have had a better partner,” Brown said. “She’s also part of the family now, dating my granddaughter’s uncle.”
“We were talking, and I said, ‘I don’t want to bowl with someone I don’t like,’ so getting to bowl with some I enjoy makes a huge difference,” Monzella said. “It really motivates you both to do well!”
Having the score stick to the end of the tournament on June 28 and coming home with a win would mean the world to them.
“It would truly be amazing,” Brown said.
“I don’t know how to explain it, but it would be exciting,” Monzella said.
Ruby Doubles features bowlers with combined entering averages of 311-350.
The Women’s Championships is celebrating its 106th edition in 2026 and making its sixth trip to Las Vegas. The 2026 event is scheduled to feature more than 16,000 bowlers and 4,200 four-player teams competing across 65 consecutive days at the South Point Bowling Plaza.
Follow the action from the tournament’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts.