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Jul 31, 2023

» In the Pocket: McPhail is off to a great start

Photo provided Lindsey McPhail Lindsey McPhail was once one of the top scholastic bowlers in the Capital Region. Now, after a decade of competing in adult leagues, she’s off to perhaps the best start

Photo provided

Lindsey McPhail

Lindsey McPhail was once one of the top scholastic bowlers in the Capital Region. Now, after a decade of competing in adult leagues, she’s off to perhaps the best start of her career and hoping to return to her past glory on the lanes.

The 29-year-old Mohonasen High School and Hudson Valley Community College product was averaging a robust 233 after the first three weeks in the high-powered Reis Group Kim Brown Memorial Mixed Doubles league Wednesday nights at Towne Bowling Academy. She opened the year with a modest 841 four-game series, but then fired a career-best 1,019 set, including a 280 high single, in week No. 2. She followed that up with a 941 last week.

“Me and my bowling partner, Don Herrington, have a pretty good vibe going on right now,” McPhail said. “After not picking up a ball in six months, I didn’t know what to expect this season. That first week, it was a little tough getting my legs underneath me and getting back into the swing of things, but for the last couple of weeks, I feel really good about the way I’m rolling the ball.”

McPhail, who normally rolls around the second arrow, said she enjoys competing with Herrington, a local regional pro who has been one of the best keglers in the area for decades.

“Don was having a great season a year ago until the pandemic hit and everything got shut down,” McPhail said. “I pick up some pointers from him.”

McPhail also gets a little help with her equipment. She usually throws Brunswick equipment and got a Vapor Zone from PWBA standout Liz Kuhlkin. That’s the ball she used when she ripped that 1,019 series. But recently, McPhail tried a Storm ball that Herrington got for her. That Parallax was the ball she rolled for her 941 last week

“I’ve definitely had good luck with Brunswick equipment, but when I tested out that Parallax ball, I liked the way it reacted,” she said.

McPhail does not use a spare ball.

“I used it once early in my high school career for just a short while, but I really like to just straighten out my wrist and throw it hard,” McPhail explained. “I usually throw the ball 15-16 miles per hour on my strike ball, but I’m around 17 mph for my spares. When it comes to making adjustments, I usually move my feet and my mark first. I’m more comfortable making those kinds of changes.”

McPhail collected her first 800 triple, an 802, last season, and currently owns seven perfect games. Her season averages as an established adult bowler have ranged between 220 and 225, but she is hoping to boost that mark this year.

The Rotterdam resident learned the game from her father, who tried to teach her to be a lefty to follow in his footsteps.

“My dad’s whole side of the family was bowling before I can remember, and he had me bowling before I could walk,” McPhail said. “He wanted me to be a lefty like him, but I stayed a righty and I tease him sometimes about how it worked out.”

Her high school career at Mohonasen was sensational. She competed for five seasons on the Mighty Warriors’ varsity team.

“It might have been six years, but I broke my ankle in seventh grade three days before tryouts,” she recalled.

McPhail competed in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Bowling Championships four times — twice with her team and two more times as an individual all-star. She also owned the Section II scoring record before Kuhlkin broke it.

“Liz and I are great friends,” McPhail said. “We’ve bowled together on all-star teams before, and of course, we bowl together on Wednesday nights. I give her a lot of credit for becoming the outstanding bowler that she is today. I hope to eventually give her some competition.”

McPhail admitted to having a friendly rivalry with her younger sister, Cheyanne, who is 10 years younger They bowl together in the Hang Ten league. Currently, Cheyanne is averaging 230 in that league, while Lindsey is averaging “only” 216.

“Last year, Cheyanne bowled on Wednesday nights with me, and when we faced each other, it was always a big deal,” she said. “She reminds me every day that she’s leading me in average on Sunday nights. She’s throwing it very well on Sunday nights, and I hope she can continue. Hopefully, I can continue bowling the way I am right now.

“The last couple of years, I’ve bowled in the state tournament and in the Queens Tournament. I definitely want to get more into tournaments like that and try to get my name out there a little bit. Not doing anything with my bowling right after high school hurt me a little bit. I really enjoy the game.”

McPhail also enjoys her job at the Schenectady Jewish Community Center, where she is an assistant teacher.

“I’ve been working there for six years, and I love it,” she said. “I enjoy working with the little kids. I have them from as young as 1-year-old, and it’s fun watching them grow up.”

STRIKES & SPARES

The fine Sportsman’s Bowl received last week from health inspectors was rescinded after it was proved the center did not violate attendance (50% occupancy) rules.

The Albany TNBA’s Trios Tournament will be held Oct. 24-25 at Towne Bowling Academy. Bowlers must be Albany TNBA members to compete.

Sportsman’s Bowl and Chris Fawcett are holding a special elimination “Sweeper” Saturday at 2 p.m. Entry fee is $30. There will be a three-game qualifier, with half the field bowling another game and the field being cut in half until the final two bowlers remain. Walk-ins will be allowed until 10 minutes before the tournament starts. There will be 50-50 raffles and $5 jackpots available. For more information, contact Fawcett (518-852-9372) or by Facebook messenger, or Sportsman’s Bowl (518-355-4330). Payments will be accepted in cash only.

Kingpin’s Alley Family Fun Center in South Glens Falls is offering a Scratch Baker Doubles tournament Oct. 17 at noon and 4 p.m. with the finals set for the next day at 10 a.m. There will be an eight-game qualifier, followed by round-robin match play. Entry fee is $160 per team, with the winning tandem guaranteed $2,500. One in six teams advance to the finals from each qualifying squad. Call 518-793-9606 for more information.

Town & Country Lanes has announced a special Sweeper Series on Oct. 18, Nov. 15 and Dec. 13. Entry fee is $40 per event, which starts at 10 a.m. each day. There will be a 60-bowler limit. Four bowlers will bowl on one pair, and handicap will be 90% of 215. There also will be a membership fee of $5. Top prize will be $240.

Uncle Sam Lanes in Troy will host a Halloween Match Play Tournament Oct. 31 at 9 a.m. The 64-bowler bracket event will have a $90 entry fee. In the first round, bowlers square off in a three-game total pins match, with the winners moving on. Win one match and you receive half your entry fee back. In the remaining matches, you must win two of three games to advance. For information, call Uncle Sam Lanes at 518-271-7800.

The Frantic Junior Scratch Challenge will be held Nov. 15 at Sportsman’s Bowl. The format for this youth event will be five games of qualifying and three games of match play. More information about the tournament will be coming out shortly.

The first Amateur League Bowlers Association of New York tournament of the season is scheduled for Nov. 1 at Sportsman’s Bowl. Entry fee will be $50 ($35 if received the Monday prior to that event Oct. 26). Only bowlers with averages less than 215 are eligible. So far, 68 bowlers have established averages in the A.L.B.A.N.Y. data base. Tournament organizers intend to add singles tournaments in January, March and April, and a doubles tournament is planned in December at Spare Times Lanes in Latham. There will be a $10 membership fee that will be waived for the first event but will need to be paid by the second tournament. Send checks to Jeff Segel, P.O. Box 11093, Loudonville, NY 12211. For more information, contact Jim Burton at 518-209-4748.

MAJOR BOWLING

Chris Smith fired a perfect game on the way to an 825 triple, Kalynn Carl slammed a 279-767, Jim Parker delivered a 268-760 and John Musto Jr. shot a 279-752 to pace the Sportsman’s Majors Monday night at Sportsman’s Bowl.

Marty Capullo Jr. posted a 762 triple to edge Jason Brown by three shots for the featured men’s performance in the Reis Group Kim Brown Memorial City League Monday night at Towne Bowling Academy. Rich Strath shot a 747, while Debbie Capullo (746) and Jessica Aiezza (701) topped the women’s division.

Tony Bianchi uncorked a 286-992 four-game series, John Mecca ripped a 278-75, Mike Scaccia tossed a 277-916, Mark Hansen delivered a 268-908 and Ken Wilkins shot a 264-905 to pace the Frank DePalma Boulevard Classic Tuesday night at Boulevard Bowl.

Liz Kuhlkin pounded a perfect game and a 1,010 four-game series, Scott Rogers delivered a 277-999, Matt Swiatocha rolled a 264-989 and Kim Swiatocha fired a 278-985 in the Reis Group Kim Brown Memorial Mixed Doubles league Wednesday night at Towne Bowling Academy.

Billy McGaffin produced a 268-1,039 four-game series, and Jeremy McGaffin tossed a 279-999 to pace the Amsterdam Men’s City League Monday night at Kelly’s Imperial Lanes.

REIS GROUP KIM BROWN MEMORIAL CITY LEAGUE

Standings

J&F Lawn Care 8-1, DeCrescente Distributing 8-1, Syron’s Meat Market 7-2, 20 North 7-2, Vito Sindoni 6-3, Team 4 6-3, Towne Bowling Academy 5-4, TSS Printing & Awards 4-5, Downs Roofing 3-6, Team 13 3-6, Rollarama 2-7, Action Bowling Supply 2-7, Team 5 1-8, D&D Lawncare 1-8.

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Match summaries

J&F Lawn Care (2)

Jason Brown 256-267-236 — 759, R.J. Martinez 246-223-220 — 689, Nick Barnes 212-267-201 — 680, Steve Hallenbeck 212-288-203 — 703. Totals: 926-1,045-860 — 2,831.

20 North (1)

Chris Radliff 248-226-221 — 695, Matt Kallner 217-210-264 — 691, Joel Donato 234-180-203 — 617, Tommy Donato 181-213-178 — 572. Totals: 880-829-866 — 2,575.

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TSS Printing & Awards (1)

Dwayne Coonrad 217-219-228 — 664, Paul Dumas 268-234-228 — 730, Rick Speckhardt 174-214-214 — 602, Steve Wagoner 257-248-235 — 740. Totals: 916-915-905 — 2,736.

Vito Sindoni (2)

Scott Chastenay 188-230-191 — 609, Mike DiCerbo 222-226-143 — 591, Rich Strath 256-257-234 — 747, John Askew 258-236-189 — 683. Totals: 924-949-757 — 2,630.

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Downs Roofing (1)

Chris Tinkle 219-199-189 — 607, Nick Barnes 201-235-193 — 729, Ryan Karabin 224-248-259 — 731, Billy Wigand 236-275-180 — 691. Totals: 880-957-821 — 2,658.

Syron’s Meat Market (2)

Ken Wilkins 246-194-223 — 663, Brandon Wolf 193-159-175 — 527, Don Herrington 211-266-234 — 711, Ken LaBelle Jr. 257-167-218 — 642. Totals: 907-786-850 — 2,543.

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Team 4 (3)

Marc Fowler 181-257-208 — 646, Cassius Boyd 192-196-176 — 564, Chris Jones 227-227-191 — 645, Chad Propper 231-209-247 — 687. Totals: 831-889-822 — 2,542.

Action Bowling Supply (0)

Rit Fazzone 145-123-170 — 438, Bob Messick 188-234-184 — 606, Natasha Bidwell 234-194-218 — 647, Matt Fazzone 190-278-236 — 704. Totals: 757-829-809 — 2,395.

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Team 13 (0)

Randy Fickert 171-168-159 — 498, Chuck Schissler 176-162-149 — 487, Ronnie Zadrozny 245-235-185 — 665, Gabe Criscuolo 215-267-205 — 687. Totals: 807-832-698 — 2,337.

DeCrescente Distributing (3)

Jessica Aiezza 269-196-236 — 701, Mark Kuhlkin 259-226-182 — 667, Scott Rogers 244-290-200 — 734, Liz Kuhlkin 258-225-191 — 674.Totals: 1,030-937-809 — 2,776.

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Team 5 (1)

Nick DiCerbo 256-198-182 — 636, Vinny Struffolino 243-157-162 — 562, Bob Evans 245-235-246 — 726, Bob Faragon 204-268-249 — 721. Totals: 948-858-839 — 2,645.

Rollarama (2)

Tom Rogers 137-248-224 — 599, Keith Lawyer 169-208-237 — 614, Dan Rotter 249-196-178 — 623, Tony Palumbo 223-258-215 — 696. Totals: 778-910-844 — 2,532.

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Towne Bowling Academy (2)

Tom Earl 247-220-241 — 708, John Jones Jr. 191-225-206 — 622, Marty Capullo Jr. 227-258-277 — 762, Debbie Capullo 239-259-248 — 746. Totals: 904-962-972 — 2,838.

D&D Lawncare (1)

Karrie Blake 258-215-200 — 673, Laura Rotter 237-180-205 — 622, Bill Judge 223-248-203 — 674, Carol Crandall 247-211-156 — 614. Totals: 965-854-764 — 2,583.

SPORTSMAN’S MAJORS

Standings

Rollin Smoke BBQ 9-3, Next Level Detailing 9-3, Muny Grille 8-4, Universal Auto Parts 8-4, IDID 7-5, Mike’s Hot Dogs 6-6, Metroland Photo 6-6, Klonowski’s Pro Shop 6-6, Bob’s Pro Shop 5-7, Team No. 10 4-8, The Appliance Specialist 4-8, Team No. 12 0-12.

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Match summaries

Muny Grille (1)

Jay Diamond 216-255-277 — 748, Dave Bingham 225-209-214 — 648, John Musto Jr. 279-225-248 — 752, Jamie Diamond 214-279-184 — 677. Totals: 934-968-923 — 2,825.

Universal Auto Parts (3)

Andy Smith 205-221-209 — 635, Bill Heaphy III 234-267-224 — 725, Chris Smith 278-247-300 — 825, Chris Fedden 194-258-275 — 727. Totals: 911-993-1,008 — 2,912.

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Rollin Smoke BBQ (3)

Bill Carl 231-206-237 — 674, Kalynn Carl 232-279-256 — 767, John Leone 180-257-245 — 682, Justin Carl 244-237-233 — 714. Totals: 687-979-971 — 2,837.

Team No. 10 (1)

Joe DiBiase 234-230-232 — 696, Joe O’Toole 229-1809-214 — 623, Cory Buckley 211-255-234 — 700, Tyler Mochrie 265-224-239 — 728. Totals: 939-889-919 — 2,747.

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Klonowski’s Pro Shop (2)

Ted Klonowski Jr. 182-162-152 — 496, Jackelynn Noble 198-177-229 — 604, Jim Petronis 225-258-222 — 705, Ted Klonowski III 245-192-177 — 614. Totals: 850-789-780 — 2,419.

Metroland Photo (2)

Lee Quivey 162-180-224 — 566, Steve Renzi 204-215-209 — 628, Mike Gallitelli 189-219-191 — 599, B.J. Smith Jr. 194-217-214 — 625. Totals: 749-831-838 — 2,418.

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IDID (4)

Tony Fernandez 200-243-244 — 687, Flash Gordon 213-213-134 — 560, Jim Valentino 175-193-200 — 568, A.J. Perone 173-191-208 — 572. Totals: 761-840-786 — 2,387.

Team 12 (0)

Christian Chiarito 236-234-174 — 644, Jason Deitz 156-158-173 — 487, Earnest Laduke Jr. 137-167-166 — 470, Connor Shoemaker 179-240-203 — 613. Totals; 699-799-716 — 2,214.

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Next Level Detailing (4)

Mike Guidarelli 279-226-211 — 716, Jim Bassotti 194-213-184 — 591, Jim Parker 268-238-254 — 760, Matt Swiatocha 234-191-188 — 613. Totals: 975-868-837 — 2,680.

The Appliance Specialist (0)

Steve Fawcett 163-166-230 — 559, Zach Gravell 224-191-206 — 621, Chris Fawcett 211-177-206 — 621, Sean O’Flarity 170-232-192 — 594. Totals: 768-766-818 — 2,352.

———

Mike’s Hot Dogs (0)

Doug Semerad 201-212-248 — 661, Tammy Sader 209-214-194 — 617, Richard Rogaski 209-201-186 — 596, Kevin Palmer 183-233-238—654. Totals: 802-860-866 — 2,528.

Bob’s Pro Shop (4)

Fred McMahon 252-201-239 — 692, Earl Lawrence Jr. 235-215-246 — 696, Bob Tedesco Jr. 193-238-192 — 623, Mike Smith 185-221-224 — 630. Totals: 865-875-901 — 2,641.

FRANK DePALMA BOULEVARD CLASSIC

Standings

Downs Roofing 17-3, D.A. Parisi & Co. 13-7, Masons Automotive 11-9, Derenzo’s Tax Service 9-11, Boulevard Bowl 7-13, Kalpro 3-17.

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Match summaries

D.A. Parisi & Co. (3)

John Mecca 225-267-278-205 — 975, Jeff Williams 203-177-161-162 — 703, Ken Wilkins 233-264-183-225 — 905. Totals: 661-708-622-592 — 2,583.

Boulevard Bowl (2)

Mike Scaccia 199-205-235-277 — 916, Brian Hart 223-167-172-181 — 743, Cory Bennett 193-182-269-205 — 849. Totals: 615-554-676-663 — 2,508.

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Masons Automotive (5)

Mark Hansen 268-224-194-222 — 908, B.J. Smith Jr. 245-204-189-257 — 895, Bob Collins 172-215-189-160 — 736. Totals: 685-643-572-639 — 2,539.

Kalpro (0)

Keith Lawyer 159-194-190-181 — 724, Kyle Wilkins 159-186-1790-200 — 715, Joe Carusone 213-203-179-248 — 843. Totals: 531-583-539-629 — 2,282.

———

Derenzo’s Tax Service (0)

P.J. Derenzo 226-183-183-190 — 782, Bob Tuttle 159-258-180-195 — 792, Mike Gallitelli 266-210-189-195 — 860. Totals: 651-651-552-580 — 2,434.

Downs Roofing (5)

Tony Bianchi 206-233-286-267 — 992, Phil Kilmartin 246-243-170-193 — 852, Rich Rogaski 200-227-160-235 — 822. Totals: 652-703-616-695 — 2,666.

REIS GROUP KIM BROWN MEMORIAL MIXED DOUBLES

Standings

Team 19 65-15, Team 13 59-21, Boulevard Bowl 58.5-21.5, Team 11 49-31, Team 6 46.5-33.5, Next Level Detailing 46-34, Team 5 43.5-36.5, Rogers MotorSports 40-40, Team 8 40-40, Team 9 39.5-40.5, Team 20 35-45, Towne Bowling Academy 35-45, Team 17 35-45, Team 4 35-45, Team 15 34.5-45.5, Team 16 34-46, Team 10 29-51, Team 12 28-52, Team 3 28-52, A-Plus Heating & Cooling 19.5-60.5.

———

Match summaries

Team 17 (5)

Ursula Pasquerella 235-223-216-245 — 919, Joe Venduro 193-176-200-238 — 807. Totals: 468-439-456-823 — 1,886.

Team 19 (15)

Liz Kuhlkin 300-268-217-225 — 1,010, Dave Samborin 214-193-219-232 — 858. Totals: 536-483-458-479 — 1,956.

———

Team 16 (8)

Aliyah Liberatore 228-210-204-190 — 832, Ben Empie 189-112-193-197 — 691. Totals: 481-386-461-451 — 1,779.

Team 8 (12)

Elizabeth Criscuolo 164-123-181-162 — 630, Gabe Criscuolo 206-206-235-185 — 832. Totals: 452-411-498-429 — 1,790.

———

Team 20 (6)

Chris Allen-Valenzuela 211-202-194-235 — 842, John Askew 236-268-224-214 — 942. Totals: 461-484-447-478 — 1,784.

Team 12 (14)

Janelle Irwin 247-243-178-183 — 851, Steve Irwin 194-259-233-165 — 851. Totals: 489-550-459-396 — 1,894.

———

Team 3 (11)

Jenn Schissler 212-278-217-244 — 951, Chuckie Schissler 234-156-215-183 — 788. Totals: 498-486-484-479 — 1,947.

Team 9 (9)

Kailynn Barnes 169-167-259-239 — 834, Nick Barnes 212-235-258-242 — 947. Totals: 410-431-546-510 — 1,897.

———

Towne Bowling Academy (7)

Debbie Capullo 227-229-202-211 — 869, Tony Palumbo 197-214-247-257 — 915. Totals: 439-458-464-483 — 1,844.

Rogers MotorSports (13)

Kelly Chrzanowski 237-231-214-201 — 883, Tom Rogers 192-236-181-181 — 790. Totals: 474-512-440-427 — 1,853.

———

Team 13 (18)

Kate Clark 202-243-215-190 — 898, Jamie Duncan 222-184-216-213 — 835. Totals: 454-457-461-433 — 1,805.

Team 12 (2)

Lindsey McPhail 191-185-200-200 — 776, Don Herrington 229-224-216-12 — 881. Totals: 424-413-4290-416 — 1,673.

———

Team 10 (8)

Renee Earl 171-204-170-202 — 747, Tom Earl 257-237-185-234 — 913. Totals: 472-485-399-480 — 1,836.

Team 11 (12)

Jessica Aiezza 204-216-246-259 — 925, Scott Rogers 223-218-277-265 — 983. Totals: 436-443-532-533 — 1,944.

———

Team 4 (5)

Erika Poje 199-182-203-201 — 785, Joe Wolf (absent) 193-193-193-193 — 772. Totals: 438-421-442-440 — 1,741.

Boulevard Bowl (15)

Lisa Rathbun-Read 194-201-233-192 — 820, Cliff Ruth 255-222-218-203 — 898. Totals: 449-423-451-395 — 1,718.

———

A-Plus Heating & Cooling (4.5)

Michelle Largeteau 116-112-138-141 — 507, Zach Porter 227-227-215-152 — 821. Totals: 418-414-428-368 — 1,628.

Team 15 (13.5)

Amber Dominic 168-233-177-226 — 804, Vinny Struffolino 223-214-177-209 — 823. Totals: 443-499-406-487 — 1,835.

———

Next Level Detailing (15)

Kim Swiatocha 224-238-278-245 — 985, Matt Swiatocha 264-233-233-259 — 989. Totals: 500-483-523-516 — 2,022.

Team 5 (5)

Laura Rotter 226-228-194-279 — 927, Dan Rotter 225-279-192-195 — 891. Totals: 492-548-427-515 — 1,982.

AMSTERDAM MEN’S CITY LEAGUE

Standings

JLD 32-4, Excellent Autos 25-11, Skyview Lounge 25-11, RJ Sheetmetal 19-17, Team Bryk 15-21, Imperial Lanes 15-21, Team Majewski 14-22, Team Mason 14-22, Liberatore Electric 13-23, Team Schultz 8-28.

Leaderboard

Billy McGaffin 268-1,039, Jeremy McGaffin 279-999, Bob Minery 248-964, Mike Bellinger 268-913, Brendan McGillin 268-900, Justin Lansing 239-895, Dan Bryk 256-895, Tim Grant 267-895, Mike Liberatore 243-878, Alex Wilson 249-855.

Reach Bob Weiner at [email protected] or @BobWeiner58 on Twitter.

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