Pictured Above Is: Shirley Braverman And Mandy Etem.
After Not Rolling A Perfect Game In 30 Years Of Bowling. Mandy Etem, Rolls Two, In Consecutive Weekends.
Accomplishment Was Achieved During The 66th Annual AZ Women's Championships At Brunswick Zone Mesa.
By Michael 'Chip" Begg - Managing Editor the tenpinexpress.com - Director Mesa Metro Association.
Mesa - - - Through out the last 30 years of her bowling career, there has been one thing that has eluded Mandy Etem in the game of bowling.
A 300 game.
And now within a period of two weeks, she has shot two of them.
She did not waste any time in rolling her first perfect game, and it was accomplished on a very big stage. The first squad of the 66th Annual Arizona State Women's Championships at Brunswick Zone Mesa in the team event on Saturday April 14. She also included games of 279 and 224 for her second sanctioned 800 series, an 803.
"I've been bowling for almost 30 years and have come close to bowling a 300 just a few times," she said, of her first 300, which was rolled on lanes 9 and 10. "I've always wanted to bowl a 300, but never imagined my first one would be so special. I'm blessed to have shared the experience with many of my friends and teammates."
She knows what it is like to have someone else roll a 300 game at her during the course of a tournament. Her sister, Jolene, did it to her early in her bowling career. But, now its nice that she has finally rolled one for herself.
"I was fortunate to make some good decisions to start the game after having an iffy shot in practice," she said, of the adjustment she made. "Jolene was so excited. She knew I was bowling and when she saw I was calling her. She knew why I was calling."
She also shared the news with her mother right after the 300 was rolled. And like any parent when their child accomplishes something on the lanes. They know their child can accomplish bigger and better things with a little push. Her grandfather is marking the accomplishment by making her a special award in his blacksmith shop.
"I called my mom and told her I shot 300 and her response was 'now go shoot 800'," she says, of the push she got from her mother. "Shooting 279 the second game made me think 800 was within reach. But, the lanes started changing and I had to make some spares. We saw scores being shot all over the place. But, it was just the first weekend. So, there is still a lot of tournament left. In preparation, I ate my favorite pre-bowling meal - a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. And, brought one with me for doubles and singles, too!".
The team that she bowled on was 'Bowl For The Cure Arizona' and they have won the Division A team title in the past. Teammates included: Shawna Strause, Kalyn Arthurs, and Heidi Woods.
"I don't think I could have dreamed this day to be any better than it was. My team was representing 'Bowl for the Cure'. We crossed with more of our friends and just had fun," she said, of the experience. "I'm sure this was a big part of my success. I would like to thank my teammates for their support. And for standing by me in making these memories. Scott Washburn for his hugs. And Dave Cirigliano for coaching me to a level where this was even possible."
Mandy's 226 book average was the highest among the women in the Metro Phoenix USBC, and the Arizona State USBC during the 2016-17 season. She also won the MMA Queens title this year at AMF McCray Lanes in Chandler. And, according to Bowl.Com, Her first 800 series was rolled on August 28, 2017 at AMF Union Hills. It included games of: 289-279-269 for an 837 series.
"I shot 2,264 in all-events the first weekend," she said, of her opening weekend performance. "I hope it will hold up but, regardless of the tournament outcome. I had the best day with my friends and teammates. And will always remember this."
So, What Does She Do For An Encore?
During the second week of the 66th Annual Arizona State Women's Championships on April 21 and 22, Mandy proved that lightning can strike twice. This time it was in the singles and doubles event on lanes 35 and 36 with her doubles partner AZ State HOF Shirley Braverman also of Phoenix. Her second perfect game would come during the singles event in game two. She also added games of 248-268 for an 816 series.
"This was a dream come true," she said, of her second perfect game in as many weeks. "I have been told for years that once you get the first one, they will come more often. I didn't think it would happen so quickly. After the game I called: Dave, my mom, and my sister. And, they all answered the phone asking me if 'I had done it again'".
The 1 pm doubles squad of April 22, also featured top bowlers from Arizona in: Brianna Cote, Tina Williams, Valerie Caron, and Shawna Treat.
"I will enjoy this ride for as long as it lasts and will continue to strive to get better," she said, of her second perfect game. "Shirley and I shot 1,470 and it was incredible. We won doubles in this house a few years ago, and that was the first time my partner and I both shot 700 in doubles. Shirley and I are great partners and friends. I'm so glad she was there for my second 300."
Her second perfect game was delayed by a few minutes, as lane 36 needed to be re-racked. She took a step back off of the approach for a moment to regather her composure.
"No, I stepped back and restarted my routine, so I didn't notice the delay," she said, of the re-rack. "I would like to thank the lane monitor for taking care of the re-rack, so I didn't have to think about it."
Mandy is also the defending Class A all-events Champion from the 65th Annual AZ State Women's Championship which was staged at AMF McRay Lanes last year. In Last years event Emily Orneales also of Phoenix, rolled a 300 and 299 game on consecutive days.
"The lanes played completely different between the two years, and I think what I've been working on with my game recently was good timing for this event," she says, of her accomplishments during the last two years. "Kalyn and I shot 1,506 the first weekend in doubles and what an experience that was. It was my first time pairing up with Kalyn and we had a great time. Having fun and bowling well go hand in hand."
Unofficial results of the 66th Annual Arizona State Women's Championships are now posted on AZ State USBC.org.
State Of Arizona Bowling News - May 4, 2018