Nicole Wilson Dominates 2024 PWBA Green Bay Regional, Secures First Regional Title

Nicole Wilson of Northville, Michigan, put on a commanding performance at the 2024 PWBA Green Bay Regional, leading from start to finish to claim her first Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA) Regional title. The event took place at The Ashwaubenon Bowling Alley in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on Saturday.

A Strong Start and an Unwavering Lead

Wilson wasted no time making her presence known, rolling an impressive 276 in Game 1 of qualifying to immediately take the top spot on the leaderboard. What no one knew at the time was that she would never relinquish her lead for the rest of the tournament.

The 32-year-old right-hander dominated the 48-player field, posting an eight-game qualifying total of 1,644 (a 205.5 average) to earn the No. 1 seed for the four-player stepladder finals.

Wilson Seals the Win with a Clutch Performance

Entering the championship match, Wilson faced No. 2 seed Carlene Beyer of Ogdensburg, Wisconsin. Continuing her stellar form, Wilson struck on five of her first seven shots and kept a clean game to defeat Beyer 211-189, securing the championship title. With the victory, Wilson took home the $1,400 first-place prize, while Beyer earned $700 for finishing second.

Wilson’s ability to maintain consistency throughout the day was key to her win. Unlike many competitors who often switch bowling balls to adapt to lane conditions, Wilson never changed hers.

“I never changed balls all day,” Wilson said. “Once competition started, I adjusted my arm a little bit, and then it was just a matter of trying to make good shots.”

She delivered the most crucial shot of the tournament in the 10th frame of the title match. Needing a mark and three pins to secure victory, Wilson confidently stepped up and threw a perfect strike. She followed that with a nine-count and a spare, officially locking up her first PWBA Regional title.

A Ticket to the PWBA Regional Showdown

In addition to her trophy and prize money, Wilson also earned a spot in the 2024 PWBA Regional Showdown, scheduled to take place at Aloma Bowl in Winter Park, Florida, from Dec. 5-7. The winner of the Regional Showdown will receive a cash prize and have entry fees covered for all 2025 PWBA National Tour singles events.

Interestingly, Wilson wasn’t aware that her victory secured a berth in the prestigious event until the tournament director informed her during the trophy ceremony.

“I didn’t know that winning here would allow me to be in the Regional Showdown, but it’s a pretty cool benefit because that’s such a premier event,” Wilson said. “I just really love bowling, and I have to thank my wife and my mom because they’re such huge supporters.”

Strong Performances from Beyer and Bolton

Wilson was one of only three players to average over 200 on Green Bay’s challenging 39-foot oil pattern. The other two were Beyer (200.88 average) and Elise Bolton of Apollo Beach, Florida (200 average).

Beyer and Bolton faced off in the stepladder semifinals, with Beyer capitalizing on two early open frames from Boltonto build a commanding 40-pin lead. Despite Bolton’s late three-strike rally, Beyer held on for a 211-191 victory to advance to the final. Bolton finished third, taking home $600 in prize money.

In the first stepladder match, Bolton defeated Rebecca Hagerman of Loves Park, Illinois, 245-215. Hagerman finished fourth, earning $500.

What’s Next?

The next PWBA Regional event is scheduled for Sept. 15 at the PWBA Cleveland Regional, which will be held at Yorktown Lanes in Parma Heights, Ohio.

With her breakout win in Green Bay, Nicole Wilson has firmly established herself as a top competitor in the PWBA Regional circuit. Fans will now look forward to seeing how she performs on bowling’s bigger stages, especially at the 2024 PWBA Regional Showdown in December.