A local bowler recently returned from representing Saskatchewan at the singles competition of the five-pin junior nationals.
A local bowler recently returned from representing Saskatchewan at the singles competition of the five-pin junior nationals. Randi-Lynn Blacquier scored high enough to make a tie-breaking game in the bronze medal match, and placed fourth overall with an average score of 196.50 (or 13 points).I was proud of myself for making it that far, but I was disappointed in my final round, said Blacquier. Facing up against an opponent from Northern Ontario, Randi-Lynn lost the tie-breaking round 202-177.Blacquier started out ahead, however she wasnt able to hit any strikes. I was hitting my middle all the time and there were pins that werent going down. (In the game) I scored three head pins and about six corner pins.Most of Blacquiers games had scored over 158, with the highest score for Randi-Lynn during the nationals taken in game 20 with 287.This game really started me off, said Blacquier. This particular game started hot, with four strikes in a row, then a spare, then two more strikes.Her most difficult game was the fourth, when Blacquier had a 152 game. Overall, Randi-Lynn felt most of her games were pretty good. Comparing her average at nationals, it was a little short of her personal average from the season at 208.Blacquier explained how the setting at nationals made it difficult for any bowler to score close to their overall season average. Every bowler was throwing so many games in one day, that nobody was able to beat their own average.A lot of support came from family who were able to attend the games during the national competition. In addition to her parents traveling across the country to be at the event, Randi-Lynns paternal grandparents, and several aunts and uncles were in attendance. Her father, Reggie said, We basically had the five kids of mom and dad there. We had a good family gathering. Reggie moved to Weyburn from New Brunswick, while her mother Laurie has lived in Weyburn for many years.Randi-Lynns coach is Les Walliser, who along with Ryan Englot will be representing the province at the their nationals, in Winnipeg on May 31 to June 5.
