Xenia resident earns spot on 2016-17 all-star team
Sanders is one of five from Dayton area selected.
First there was a scream, then the tears started to flow as surprise, excitement and pride rushed over Heidi Sanders.
The Xenia resident had earned a spot on the Ohio United States Bowling Congress Women’s Bowling Association 2016-17 All-Star Team for the first time.
“I had no idea I had even been nominated,” Sanders said. “It was 11 p.m. when I opened the letter, I called my mom and she started crying too.”
Sanders, 28, was one of seven women selected for the honor — most of them from the Greater Dayton USBC. The Dayton area dominated the statewide squad with Lindsey Furnas, Jennifer Owens, Shannon Pluhowsky and Lori Reasoner also making the team. Only bowler of the year Melissa Van Dyke and Carly Graham, both of the Cleveland USBC WBA, joined the Dayton bowlers’ ranks.
“These Dayton ladies are phenomenal,” Sanders said. “The competition and the camaraderie here are amazing. It has really helped me become a better bowler.”
Among Sanders’ 201617 accomplishments are winning the women’s actual state team title with Ashley Bryant, Andrea Behr, Lauren Page and Van Dyke as well as capturing the women’s city team title. She and Van Dyke also placed third in doubles at the USBC National Women’s Championship.
“This has been my best year as far as accomplishments,” Sanders said.
But joining the elite ranks of the state all-star team was almost too good to be true for Sanders.
Perennial Team USA bowler Pluhowsky is making her sixth appearance on the team since 2009, including two bowler of the year nods. Pluhowsky was second in all-events at the national tournament and was the Greater Dayton USBC women’s bowler of the year with an 804 high series, 300 high game and 241 average.
This also marks the sixth appearance on the state all-star team for Owens, who placed in the top 20 in singles, doubles, team and all-events at the state tournament.
Furnas is making her third appearance on the team and first since 2013. She tallied an 846 high series, 300 game and 217 average during the 201617 season and placed third at state in the team actual event.
Reasoner is making her second state all-star team appearance after a season that included a thirdplace finish at the Ohio USBC Buckeye Belle Tournament and a string of honor scores including an 816 high series and 299 high game.
“The town I came from (Fremont) wasn’t super competitive like it is here as far as bowling,” Sanders said. “I love these ladies and I love bowling with them and against them.”
The Ohio USBC WBA All-Star Team will be recognized at the state Queens Tournament in Canton in late January.