New Tournament Site, Different State Event. But, Mandy Etem Still Finds A Way To Come Out On Top Of The Leader Board.
By Michael 'Chip' Begg - Managing Editor thetenpinexpress.com - Director Mesa Metro Association
Chandler - - - There is something about bowling in an Arizona State women's sanctioned tournament, that brings out the best in Mandy Etem of Cave Creek.
First, it was the Arizona State Queens event last October at Brunswick Via Linda Lanes in Scottsdale. Where the right-hander outlasted the field of 23 in qualifying, and in match-play to claim the title. In the championship finals match, she needed to defeat runner-up Tina Karriker twice: 399-330, and 360-321 in order to win the eagle.
And, most recently in the 65th Annual Arizona State Women's Championships at AMF McRay Lanes in Chandler. She rolled a 709 series, to secure the Division A scratch title. However, she wasn't convinced she had won her second state title since last October, until the last bowler in the tournament rolled her last ball.
"In singles I bowled a 709. I thought a 700 would put me towards the top. I knew there were several strong players who bowled after I did. I wasn't confident that I had won the singles title, until the last bowler had finished the tournament," she said, after bowling in the AZ State Open on June 4 at Via Linda. "The state tournament is at the end of the season, and we have all worked hard on our games all year. It is probably the peak of the year for most bowlers. I enjoy team bowling, and the association events create the team environment that I find to be the most fun."
She also added a 713 in the team event and a 650 in doubles, for an all-events total of 2,072.
"I thought it would take a 700 in each event to win and that is always my goal," she said, of the goals she sets in tournaments. "I was short of 2,100, so I was surprised it held up. The scoring pace can depend on the oil pattern and lane characteristics."
The ball choices she had for the tournament at AMF McRay were: the Motive Jackel LE, the Storm Phase II, and the Hammer Scandal. Plus her trusty spare ball, the Storm Brain.
"Honestly, I didn't know what to expect. The other times I've bowled at AMF McRay, the shot has played further outside than this one did," she said, of the challenges the lanes presented. "I think I could have moved to the right ball faster in the tournament, but we are always learning and growing for the future."
If there was one portion of the women's state tournament where she could have a chance to bowl an event over again, it would be the doubles event.
"I wish I would have figured out the lanes faster when I bowled with Heidi (Woods) in doubles," she said. "Heidi bowled so well!!!. I have worked on several aspects of my game throughout the season, and things really came together for me around the start of the tournament season."
Mandy put an exclamation point on the 65th women's state tournament, by winning the women's scratch team event with a score of 2,573. Her 'Bowl For The Cure' teammates included: Jennifer Dovers, Shawna Strause, and Heidi Woods. She and Heidi finished fourth in scratch doubles with a score of 1,287.
Mandy's highest season average came this year, a 226 for 90 games, in the Ebonite Sun City Scratch Classic League at Lakeview Lanes in Sun City.
"I have worked on my game a lot this year. I will continue to work at it, and always striving to improve," she says, on where she feels her game is right now. "I have the best coach around (Dave Cirigliano at Bowling Dynamics), and I attribute my success to his expertise in coaching my physical game. As well as lane play strategy and his commitment to my success."
Her goals for the rest of the 2016-17 season are to continuing to improve and enjoying our sport. She says in order to get there she needs to keep practicing, trying new things, and continuing working with her coach.
Arizona State Bowling News June 14, 2017