No matter the winner, there would be a first-time champion in the 50th Ladies Invitational Bowling Tournament.
As is turned out, Robin Pangallo was able to fight through the losers’ bracket to the final and then defeat winners’ bracket representative, Kathy Watts, to claim the title at Suburban Lanes on Saturday.
After losing her first match on the opening weekend of the tournament, Pangallo had to remain unblemished to the final, which she did.
Watts was impressive in her first appearance in the annual event. She was the first rookie to enter the final from the winners’ bracket.
To win, Pangallo needed to first win the scheduled three-game series and then win a one-game roll-off for the championship.
Pangallo rolled a 274-205-253 series against Watts’ 210-221-211 for a 712-642 victory. In the roll-off, Pangallo pulled away late for a 269-234 win, securing the championship.
For her effort, Pangallo was awarded the Champion’s Trophy, a diamond ball-and-pins pendant and a check for $500. In addition, Pangallo received a bangle bracelet with a diamond pin-and-ball charm.
Third place went to 3-time champion Heather McLaughlin and finishing fourth was Renae Cox, another rookie and sister of Watts.