Match Play Bowling series opens season in New Athens

Bowlers are already making their way to New Athens for the 2025 Match Play Bowling series. For the first week of competition, held Friday, Nov. 21, 37 bowlers arrived at JR Bowling Lanes ready to test their skills.

In the opening week of the head-to-head qualifying rounds, 37 entries competed, with 32 bowlers advancing after the two-game qualifying series. Glenn Cox was the top qualifier of the night with a 514 series. The cutoff score went to Bill Hilliker, who qualified with a 337.

Nathan Norris rolled a perfect 300 game in the second round of bracket play. In the semifinals, Korey Herron defeated Jake Saffell 268–212, and Mike Emerick beat Lucas Robb 237–167. Emerick went on to win the finals, edging Herron 234–230.

“Tonight’s sponsor was Woodsfield Savings Bank of the Cadiz Branch,” said organizer Rayann Runevitch. “Following the night’s matches, we played out for first place at $200, for second place at $100, and third and fourth places received $50.”

“Our first week was a very successful one,” Runevitch said. “Having 37 people show up is a reflection of the commitment of the people in the surrounding area to participate and show off their skills. Following the evening’s individual performances, it is noteworthy to mention the great performance by Glenn Cox with a 514 series and the perfect game by Nathen Norris.”

“Thank you to everyone who came out tonight. Hopefully we will see all of you next week,” Runevitch said.

Week two of the head-to-head competition will be held Friday, Nov. 28 at 9 p.m. The series will continue weekly, leading to the finals in week 17.

JR Bowling Lanes is located at 146 S. Main St., New Athens.