In tough field, four Miami Valley competitors roll to city singles titles

With a larger field and challenging lane conditions, city singles competitors had to battle for the top of the standings.

Honor scores were few and far between at the Greater

Dayton United States Bowling Congress open and women’s singles tournaments at Capri Lanes with Eddie Graham notching the only 300 game from a field of 163 bowlers — up from 143 last year. Kaila Ryan posted the high game among the women with a 278.

Four Miami Valley bowlers were up to the challenge as Tammy Dabbelt, Jessica Hatcher, Justin Goffinet and Curt Rasnic Sr. all earned GDUSBC city singles titles last week.

Women’s handicap: Tammy Dabbelt, Bellbrook

After almost two decades on the lanes in the Dayton area, Dabbelt, 52, wasn’t thinking about city titles.

“I’m not throwing the ball like I used to and it does frustrate me,” Dabbelt said.

But this year’s city tournament was cause for celebration, not frustration, as she won her first city singles title with a 215-279-193 – 687, plus 59 pins handicap.

“It feels good, I’m glad I still have it,” she said, smiling.

Women’s scratch: Jessica Hatcher, Kettering

Hatcher’s city title count was already in double digits, but a singles title was a first.

“I’ve never won city singles,” she said. “Personally, I enjoy team bowling a lot but knowing that I can do it on my own is pretty cool.”

Hatcher saved the best for last — or almost last — posting a 234-222-267 — 723 on the second-to-last shift of the tournament. The singles scratch win marks her 12th GDUSBC city title.

Open handicap: Justin Goffinet, Huber Heights

There’s something about Capri Lanes for Goffinet.

He made a last-minute decision to compete in his first city tournament four years ago at the Kettering bowling center — winning the handicap title much to his surprise.

“This year I thought, let’s see if we can recreate history,” Goffinet said. And he did. Goffinet, who only bowls one night a week, rolled a 248-266-234 — 748, 802 with handicap, to win his second city singles title.

“It’s crazy,” he said. Open scratch: Curt Rasnic Sr., Fairborn

It came full circle for Rasnic,

winning a city title at Capri Lanes.

“I worked at Capri Lanes 35 years ago, third shift, when I was in school,” he said. “That’s where I picked up bowling, so it’s kind of bittersweet to win there.”

Rasnic’s 268-269-231 — 768 gave him a narrow edge over JT Cherpeski’s 764 and earned him a 10th city title — his third in singles.

“This one really came out of nowhere,” he said. “A week earlier, I had a 648 so I definitely didn’t expect this.”