Turbo Staffers Dominate PBA Women's Series

by Jim Goodwin

The first Professional Bowlers Association Women's Series is history, and members of the Turbo 2-N-1 bowlers staff did extremely well in the four-week event, which featured the title match live on ESPN television in conjunction with the men's finals. The field of 16 top women bowlers included nine amateurs and seven professionals, and to the surprise and delight of many, the amateurs won three of the four tournaments.

The four champions were PBA member Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, and top amateurs Shannon Pluhowsky, Joy Esterson, and Diandra Asbaty. All four are members of the Turbo Players Staff; Pluhowsky and Asbaty are also members of Team USA.

"We were delighted to hear earlier this year that the women would have the opportunity to get back on television with the PBA Women's Series. Now that the series has finished, we are elated that Team Turbo Staff representatives came out on top in all four events," said Lori Tessmar, Turbo President of Sales and Marketing. "The Women's Series added a new perspective to the PBA events and ESPN telecasts. We hope that the momentum will bring more events for top women bowlers in the near future."

The series was created as a partnership between the United States Bowling Congress and the Professional Bowlers Association in conjunction with The USBC U.S. Women's Open Tournament. About half of the 132 bowlers in the Open paid an additional fee to participate in a PBA Women's Tour Trial, with the top 16 qualifying to bowl in the four Women's Series events.

Each of the events had a $51,100 prize fund, with $10,000 going to the champion. All 16 cashed in every event, with the top eight going to matchplay after 14 qualifying games, and places 9-16 earning $900 each.

Dorin-Ballard was the most dominate bowler in the series, winning the first event, and finishing second, third, and fourth in the other three. She won a total of $25,000 and averaged 225.75 to easily capture the #1 ranking for the series. Carolyn owns 20 pro titles, including three majors, and was the Professional Women's Bowling Association Bowler of the Year in 2001 and 2003, the year the PWBA ceased operation.

"I was thrilled with the Women's Series," said Dorin-Ballard. "I think people had a look at what hidden young talent is out there with no venue to showcase it. The four weeks with these 16 women brought back fond memories of tour life for me, and I was proud to witness great talent in the up-and-coming stars of Joy Esterson, Shannon Pluhowsky, and Diandra Asbaty."

From all accounts, the women in these events blended in flawlessly with the men pros bowling alongside, and fans were treated to something very special and unique. "Bowling with the men not only showed our talent, but really made people notice how good these women are compared to the men, and we more than held our own. We had to adjust to the different lane conditions, know our equipment, and stay mentally sharp," said Dorin-Ballard. "It was also nice to see veterans do very well. One great thing about our sport that many forget is that if you keep yourself in shape, keep up with lane conditions and equipment, you can have longevity."

Joy Esterson was the top amateur in the series, finishing second behind Dorin-Ballard with $19,300 in winnings. She averaged 216.52 in the four events. Only Dorin-Ballard and professional Liz Johnson were higher on the average list.

Esterson defeated Johnson in the championship match to win her title in the third of the four events. Pluhowsky won the second event by defeating PWBA Hall of Famer Tish Johnson in the title match, and Asbaty kept Dorin-Ballard from winning a second title in the final event.

Asbaty was the only one of the four who did not qualify for the series but was able to bowl in the last event when one of the top 16 and the first alternate withdrew. Top 16 player Wendy Macpherson had a previous commitment in Japan, and first alternate Robin Romeo was injured just prior to the final event. Asbaty earned the second alternate spot by finishing 18th in the PBA women's Tour Trial.

Pluhowsky, Esterson, and Asbaty spoke with USBC's Matt Cannizzaro at the conclusion of the series. "It was just a taste of what it's like, [to bowl on a tour] so hopefully there is more to come," said Pluhowsky. "For now it's just a waiting game, but if nothing comes of it, it's still special to be one of the four PBA Women's Series champions."

"I bowled against some of the best women bowlers in the world, which is something I've always wanted to do," said Esterson. "It was a lot of fun and a lot of learning, and I'd love to do it again."

Asbaty, perhaps the best amateur woman in the world, also hopes the series leads to a future women's pro tour so she can take her game to the top level. "During the show," she told Cannizzaro, "there was a little girl in the stands with a sign that said 'Diandra Rocks.' Every time I looked at her, it made me feel like I was looking at myself as a little girl. That used to be me sitting there watching women like Carolyn and Tish, who inspired me to want to be a professional bowler. It was an amazing opportunity and an honor to compete, and being able to inspire even one little girl makes it even better."

"I hope there is a sponsor out there that believes in this talent as much as we do, and will continue to support a women's series," said Dorin- Ballard. "Hopefully, we can then have a full-fledge tour and bring women's pro bowling back to where it belongs."

Since its beginnings in 1990, Turbo 2-N-1 Grips has grown to become one of the best and most innovative companies in the industry. Turbo is respected worldwide as a company that is totally committed to giving back to the global community, and improving the sport on all levels with top quality grip and accessory products, and exceptional service to distributors, pro shops, and bowlers everywhere.

For more informational about Turbo, visit the website www.turbogrips.com. For more about the PBA Women's Series, go to www.pba.com.

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