Mitskavich & Bzdil Victorious in Season’s 2nd Major Event

The PJBT continued its 20th Anniversary Season with its 4th event of the year….our 2nd Major of the Year at Leisure Lanes in Lancaster, PA.  This major was a singles expanded event with extra payouts.  The event saw 77 athletes take on the newly created Kegel Pattern #3 for competition.  We had 40 in Scratch and 37 in Handicap.  Format for this major was 6 games of qualifying….top 40% bowl 3 games of match play…and the top 6 bowlers advance to the Major Finals.  Finals format was 2 Shootout Rounds (seeds 4-5-6 and 2-3-Winner) and one stepladder match to determine our champion.

In Scratch, Ryan Mitskavich captured his 1st ever PJBT title of his career….and a good time to do it….as a major event!  Mitskavich got off to a solid start on the day.  He finished qualifying in 4th place of 16 bowlers advancing.  He shot games of 179, 151, 214, 245, 208, and 223.  He really came on after Game 2.  He wrapped up qualifying at 1220 (+20) and was in 4th place….just 53 pins off the lead.  The first cut for 16th place for 6 games was -77.  Mitskavich was not able to move his position in match play.  He didn’t gain ground or lose ground….stood still in 4th place entering the Major Final.  Mitskavich walked the ladder to victory in the finals.  In Round 1 of the shootouts, Mitskavich took on Daniel Althouse and Chloe Skurzynski.  Mitskavich shot 200 and won while his opponents shot 176 (Skurzynski) and 171 (Althouse).  This advanced Mitskavich into the 2nd shootout with #2 Antonio Reyes and #3 Zacary Preston.  Mitskavich won this shootout also over Preston/Reyes 233-204-119.  This advanced Mitskavich to take on the tournament leader, Troy Owens, for the title.  In the final match, Mitskavich outlasted Owens 191-169 to win the title.  Ryan Mitskavich won a $300 scholarship and cup trophy for his win.

In Handicap, Kalli Bzdil captured her 3rd career PJBT title with the win.  Bzdil entered the event with a 144 entering average and 50 pins handicap per game.  She shot scratch games of 136, 170, 131, 167, 151, and 165.  Bzdil stood at +20 after qualifying and was seeded 3rd out of 16 bowlers advancing to match play.  The first round cut for 16th place was -120.  Bzdil advanced herself up the leaderboard to 2nd place in match play.  She only trailed tournament leader Eric Barnes.  She entered the finals in Shootout #2 vs #3 Jadelyn Swisher and #5 Sydney Bohn.  Bohn was in the match after winning Shootout #1.  Bzdil was victorious in the shootout over Bohn & Swisher 211-183-167.  This advanced Bzdil into the title match vs Eric Barnes.  In a close final match….Bzdil squeaked out a win over Barnes 150-131 to win the event.  Kalli Bzdil won a $300 scholarship and cup trophy for her win.

In total, we gave out over $1800 total in scholarships….including the top 2 girls in Scratch getting paid out.  Chloe Skurzynski and Rebecca Peracchia took home those prizes.

Next week: 2 events for the PJBT
Saturday — Our first GIRLS ONLY event of the season. ABC West Lanes in Mechanisburg 2:30pm Start Time
Sunday — Our 1st PJBT 21 & Under Doubles Event of the Season — at our new center…Earl Bowl in Quakertown PA 10:30am