Mykaela Hunter Claims First PWBA Title at Greater Detroit Regional

Canadian bowler Mykaela Hunter showcased her clutch performance under pressure, securing her first-ever Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA) victory at the 2025 Greater Detroit Regional. The event took place at Vision Lanes in Westland, Michigan, where the 25-year-old right-hander delivered an electrifying finish to defeat Denisyha Waller in the championship match.

A Historic Five-Bagger Seals the Win

Hunter emerged victorious in the final match with a 212-195 triumph over No. 1 seed Waller, thanks to an incredible five-bagger (five consecutive strikes) in the closing frames. Notably, none of the four finalists had even managed a double(two consecutive strikes) before Hunter’s impressive streak.

Her ability to deliver in high-stakes moments was the key to running the stepladder and claiming the $2,300 first-place prize.

“I don’t even know where those five strikes came from; I have no idea,” Hunter admitted. “I just tried to stay present and focus on making good shots.”

A Battle for the Championship

The championship match started off rocky for Hunter, who had back-to-back open frames in the second and third. Waller capitalized on the opportunity, building a 21-pin lead by the sixth frame. However, Hunter responded when it mattered most, striking in the seventh, eighth, and ninth frames to put pressure on Waller.

With Waller still in control of her own fate, she needed key strikes in the ninth and 10th frames to shut Hunter out. But a stubborn 7-pin and a high-flush 9-pin left the door open.

Seizing the moment, Hunter delivered two perfect strikes in the 10th, securing her first PWBA title and a spot in the upcoming PWBA Regional Showdown.

Waller, the top seed after an impressive 1,709 pinfall (213.63 average) during qualifying, took home $1,250 for finishing second.

Hunter’s Road to Victory

Hunter’s journey to the championship was nothing short of remarkable. She:

• Rolled the highest game of the tournament (278) during Game 3 of qualifying.
• Overcame a 156 setback in Game 7 by switching equipment and rebounding with a 234 in Game 8.
• Entered the stepladder as the No. 3 seed with a 1,675 total pinfall (209.38 average).

Her stepladder victories included:

1. 168-152 win over Brandie Reamy (No. 4 seed, 1,658 total, 207.25 avg.)
   
   • Reamy earned $600 for finishing fourth.
2. 178-174 thriller against Maryssa Carey (No. 2 seed, 1,686 total, 210.75 avg.)
   
   • Carey, needing a strike to win, left a 10-pin and finished third, earning $800.

Looking Ahead: PWBA Regional Showdown

With her Greater Detroit Regional victory, Hunter has earned a spot in the PWBA Regional Showdown, set for December 4-6 at Airport Lanes in Sanford, Florida. The winner of this event will receive not only a cash prize but also entry fees covered for all 2026 PWBA National Tour singles events.

Hunter expressed her excitement for the opportunity, stating,
“It’s so incredible to have that chance. Winning today definitely boosts my confidence.”

The next PWBA Regional event is scheduled for March 16 at Kingpin’s Alley Family Fun Center in South Glens Falls, New York.

For more details on the PWBA Regional competition, visit the official PWBA website.