Washington bowler connects for 300 at 2024 USBC Women’s Championships

RENO, Nev. – An exciting day at the 2024 United States Bowling Congress Women’s Championships resulted in a perfect game in team competition Tuesday.

Kaylene Bishop of Medical Lake, Washington, was the star of the show, striking out in Game 2 for the third 300 game of the 2024 event at the National Bowling Stadium.

The beginning of her team set started out with an impressive 265, and having that momentum is what set her up perfectly for Game 2.

“I felt pretty good, obviously nervous – it’s only my second 300 game,” said Bishop, talking about how she was feeling at the end of Game 2. “It being at the Women’s Championships, I was a little hungrier for the 300.”

It became easier and easier for Bishop as the strikes were falling effortlessly by the 10th frame. Everything leading up to the moment was important to the bowler from Washington.

“I took a step back, took many deep breaths and had my fan blowing on me,” said Bishop, discussing the moment before her final shot.

This was a special time for Bishop, but also very different from the first time she bowled a 300 game. The feelings and emotions were very different as well.

“I was actually a lot calmer compared to the first one,” Bishop said. “I was just making good shots, and if it was meant to be, it was meant to be.”

With the perfect performance taking place in Game 2, Bishop still had work to do to reach another honor score – an 800 series. She stayed clean in the final game, but a seven count and spare in her ninth frame put 800 out of reach.

She delivered three strikes once again in her final frame to finish with 224 for a 789 series to help Bowlers On Board II of Spokane, Washington, finish with a 2,426 total in the Diamond Division.

“An 800 is always a goal, and I knew it was on the line,” Bishop said. “If the pins fell, the pins fell.”

Leading with a high score in the team event created a foundation for Bishop to do well in doubles and singles the next day, and she was able to move into second place in Diamond All-Events on Wednesday with a 2,108 total after rolling 673 in singles and 646 in doubles.

Kayla Pashina of Otsego, Minnesota, leads Diamond All-Events with 2,198.

“I feel good,” said Bishop, referring to her overall performance. “I’m trying to stay healthy and working a lot in the offseason. I’m just working on my game, and it’s showing in the progress I’m gaining.”

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