Strikeouts Use Final Frame to Defeat The Zougs
The Strikeouts were led by Director of Food and Beverage Todd Holterhoff, who bowled a 157 in the final game, and seasoned bowling professional and General Manager Brian Sloan who bowled a tournament-high 193. Director of Tickets Rick Dooley's late frame strike in the final game cemented the Strikeouts victory.
The Zougs, made up of Director of Accounting and Player Housing Teresa Sarsted and new Ticket Operations Manager Ryan Pearman (along with a mysterious 'Ghost Bowler'), jumped out to an early lead, bowling a combined 403 in the first game. They faltered in the second game, however, bowling just a 366 and opening the door to the Strikeouts.
When asked, Pearman blamed his poor performance on injury.
"A painful blister formed on my bowling index finger after the first game, but through my perseverance and competitive nature I battled through to the championship," he said. "Unfortunately, I wasn't able to play up to the level I would've liked to at the end."
While the extent of Pearman's injury is unknown, Sarsted was reluctant to make excuses for her team. "We tried hard and I was proud of the way the two of us performed," she said.
The neck and neck game came down to the final frames, and while Teresa and the 'Ghost Bowler' both threw strikes in the 10th, it was too late. Holterhoff's strike and spare in the final round sealed the win, with a final score of 1141-1129.
"It's a proud day," Holterhoff said. "A proud day."
The consolation game also came down to the final frame, but Executive VP Tom Backemeyer's 10th frame strike guaranteed the third place victory to Team Munson, made up of Backemeyer, Groundskeeper Brian Burroughs and Account Executive Chris Kelley. Their final score of 1088 narrowly edged out Two Guys, a Girl and a Bowling Alley, who finished with 1067.
Director of Tickets Rick Dooley was still celebrating, and was unavailable for comment on the monumental victory. Pearman is currently listed as day-to-day.