Kaitlyn Stull Claims Second PWBA Regional Title in Thrilling Final Match

A Dominant Performance in Aloma Bowl

Raleigh’s Kaitlyn Stull emerged victorious at the 2024 PWBA Regional Showdown, securing her second regional titleof the year. In an intense championship match at Aloma Bowl, Stull defeated Karsyn Lukosius of Jackson, New Jersey, with a score of 247-232.

Throughout the match, Stull remained composed under pressure, using an interesting trick to stay focused.

“I usually have a song in my head when bowling. I have three different ones that I go to. During the title match, I had ‘Hot Wings’ from the movie Rio playing in my head,” Stull said with a laugh.

This relaxed approach helped her maintain control in a high-stakes showdown.

A Fierce Battle on the Lanes

Both bowlers delivered impressive performances, matching each other strike for strike. Lukosius took an early lead in the fourth frame after delivering three strikes in four shots. However, Stull responded with an explosive five-bagger, shifting the momentum in her favor.

Going into the final frame, Stull needed a double to seal the win. Her first shot, however, missed left, leaving a six-pin spare that she quickly converted. She followed it up with a strike in the fill shot, finishing at 247.

Now, it was Lukosius’ turn to respond. She needed a double to claim the victory—something she had successfully done multiple times throughout the season. With the bowling center silent in anticipation, Lukosius threw a seemingly perfect shot.

Yet, in a heartbreaking twist, a stone 9-pin denied her the win, as the headpin narrowly missed knocking it over. With that, Stull officially clinched her second regional title of the year, along with $4,000 added to her SMART account and paid entry fees for the 2025 PWBA National Tour. Lukosius earned $3,000 for her runner-up finish.

Respect for a Tough Opponent

Stull had been keeping a close eye on Lukosius’ performance throughout the tournament and had nothing but praise for her opponent.

“Karsyn is an excellent player. During her first two matches, I was a little nervous to face her. I kept taking deep breaths and focused on one shot at a time,” Stull admitted.

With this win, Stull now turns her attention to the Team USA Trials in Reno, set for January 2-7, 2025.

“This win boosted my confidence a little bit. I took a two-month break over the summer, so I wasn’t feeling too confident coming into the Showdown. Seeing how everything played out made me feel a lot better,” she said.

Lukosius’ Strong Run Falls Just Short

Despite falling just short in the title match, Lukosius had an impressive tournament, making a determined climb through the stepladder finals as the No. 4 seed.

She first took on Team USA member Crystal Elliott of Palm Bay, Florida, in a tough opening match. Both bowlers struggled on the left lane, unable to double early on. However, Lukosius closed with a five-bagger, securing a 217-196victory. Elliott finished in fourth place, earning $1,750.

Next, Lukosius faced Avery Domaguin of San Diego, another Team USA bowler and the No. 2 seed. The match remained tight, with Lukosius suffering a single-pin spare miss in the fourth frame. Meanwhile, Domaguin struggled to carry strikes, only doubling once in the 10th frame for a final score of 209. Lukosius once again delivered a five-bagger, finishing at 218 and advancing to the final. Domaguin placed third, earning $2,250.

What’s Next?

The next PWBA event will be the PWBA Greater Detroit Regional in Westland, Michigan, on February 23, 2025.

With the 2024 season wrapping up, all eyes will be on the 2025 PWBA National Tour, where Stull and Lukosius will look to continue their success on the lanes.