Detroit Free Press

November 5, 2007

Familiar face wins new title in PBA Women's Series

BY MATT FIORITO

FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER

It was a new beginning with a familiar ending.

Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, who has remained visible and viable since the last women's pro tour died four years ago, kicked off the new era Sunday by defeating Missy Bellinder, 233-192, in the title match of the PBA Women's Series at the Denny's PBA Motor City Classic.

The tournament at Taylor Lanes was the first of four sponsored by the United States Bowling Congress in an attempt to bring women's pro bowling back to life and on television.

"Everybody wants to win, but to win in the first week is overwhelming," said Dorin-Ballard, 43. "We've been gone for four years and I didn't think I'd see the day we'd have any type of tournament like this. I feel very fortunate and hopefully I'll be able to do it again."

The title was the 21st of Dorin-Ballard's career.

"They're all great, but having the PBA-USBC name on it is an honor," she said.

Dorin-Ballard won $10,000, Bellinder $6,000.

The women's title match followed the two men's semifinals, raising the question whether their higher speeds and rev rates would burn up the line for Dorin-Ballard and Bellinder.

But for Dorin-Ballard, it was the approaches -- not the lanes -- that were the problem.

"They were very slippery and I couldn't get any leverage," she said. "I had to slow down my ball speed."

Dorin-Ballard's first two shots were strikes, but Bellinder left an 8-pin and two 10-pins before finally getting a strike in the fourth frame. She didn't get a double until the 10th frame, when the match was already decided.

"I needed a different ball reaction," Bellinder said. "I just didn't have the right ball."

Bellinder was hoping for another first with the PBA. The former Cal State-Fullerton star was the first woman to join the PBA when it opened its membership to women in 2004. She's also the first woman to win two PBA regional titles competing against the men.

"I had a great week," said Bellinder, who led the qualifying round before working through match play to the final. "I'm looking forward to the next three events. I hope I can get back on TV again."

When the women's series is over, Dorin-Ballard plans to resume her duties as the high school bowling spokeswoman for USBC and Dexter Shoes. She's also a member of the Brunswick Professional Teaching Staff and is on the Chesterfield Township-based Turbo 2-1 Grips.

She also started a foundation called the CDB Scholarship Program that has a long-term goal.

"I want my daughter (Alyssa, 3) to be able to bowl for a living if that's what she decides to do," she said.