EAGAN, Minn. – Reigning Professional Women’s Bowling Association Player of the Year Jordan Richard of Tipton, Michigan, picked up where she left off during Friday’s first two rounds of qualifying at the season-opening PWBA GoBowling! Twin Cities Open in Eagan, Minnesota, averaging better than 233 to lead the event with a 12-game total of 2,805.
Ukraine’s Dasha Kovalova was second with a total of 2,729, while Stephanie Zavala of Long Beach, California (2,711), and England’s Verity Crawley (2,668) finished Day 1 in third and fourth place, respectively. Lindsay Boomershine of Brigham City, Utah, and Crystal Elliott of Palm Bay, Florida, tied for fifth at 2,666.
United States Bowling Congress Hall of Famer Kelly Kulick of Union, New Jersey, grabbed the 25th and final spot for tomorrow’s third round of qualifying with a 12-game total of 2,547.
While Kulick used a final-game 227 to make the cut by one pin, Richard had only two games under 200 during Friday’s two qualifying rounds, which allowed her to reach the top of the standings and put herself in position to add another win to her resume; however, Richard has bigger goals in mind.
“I would like to win more, but I’d like to win a major this year; that’s kind of the ultimate goal,” said Richard.
Richard authored a breakout performance during the 2023 PWBA Tour season, collecting three victories and making six stepladder finals appearances; nevertheless, all of that success took its toll, so after the season, Richard took some time off to reset and recharge.
“I felt very burnt out from bowling; I’m not going to lie,” she said. “I took some time off, and then once I started getting back into it, everything kind of came back naturally. The last couple of months I’ve been really practicing and going out to bowl any random events around me. Anything competitive is practice for me.”
Throughout the day, Richard’s fiancé Frank Snodgrass, fresh off the Professional Bowlers Association Tour season, was always around, watching her and helping her take the lead in Eagan with some extra guidance.
“It’s great to have him here,” Richard said. “I love our ball reps, and they do a great job. Still, they can’t watch every shot, and sometimes you just need a little extra help. His eyes can see things faster than I can as well.”
Richard and the rest of the top 25 will return at 10 a.m. Eastern Saturday morning for the third six-game qualifying round. After 18 games, the top 12 bowlers will take part in a final six-game block to determine the top five for the stepladder finals, which will be contested on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. Eastern.
