This week every match ended in a sweep (in one case by the thinnest of margins), spreading out the win-loss gaps slightly and causing two teams to trade places in the standings. JoAnne Barber unleashed her inner bowling wizardry to seize this week's women's crown from a mob of fierce competitors for that title, capturing the women's high game at a dazzling 141 and a remarkable series of 389. Meanwhile, on the men's side, Nick Kinney, like a bowling demigod, left a trail of fallen pins in his wake, claiming this week's high game with a jaw-dropping 233 and an astonishing series total of 625.

Over on lanes 1 & 2, "Glory Bowl" took on the enigmatic "√-1," and it was a battle of mathematical proportions. Despite Kent Harms trying to add up the points with a solid 539 series, the "G-Holers" couldn't find the right equation and ended up getting swept by the imaginary wonders of "Imaginary Number." The night belonged to #1 Power Ranked and #1 Head-to-Head AJ Hofmann, the undisputed ruler of the lanes, with a fantastic 603 series. Two of these games were decided by a single pin, and in both instances Kent left a pivotal 10-pin standing in the 10th frame. As a result, "Glory Bowl" remains comfortably seated in 5th place, while "Imaginary Number" makes a calculated leap up to the 3rd spot. As Kent put it, "Most fun I’ve ever had getting swept!"

According to Croatian bowling rules, knocking down the 10-1/4 pin results in an automatic 300 game.

Meanwhile, on lanes 3 & 4, "DB Lenz a Hand" found themselves in a showdown with the relentless "Vigs Eras Tour 2023." Doug Lenz tried to lend a hand with a respectable 429 series, but it wasn't enough to stop the Vigs Tour crew from dominating. Nick Kinney, armed with a stellar 625 series, led the charge for the Vigs Tour, and they walked away with a clean sweep. Which was fortunate for them, given that Vigs himself couldn't make it due to being chained to the wall in Travis Kelce's dungeon of love. "DB Lenz a Hand" remains in 6th place, while the "Vigs Tour" crew continues to hold the fort in 1st place.

Last but not least, down on lanes 5 & 6, "Balderdash" had their hands full trying to fend off the playful antics of the "Sun Dolphins." Matthew Taylor stepped up with a magnificent 610 series, and with Chris Windham earning the title of "Most Valuable Bowler" (thanks in part of JC Cox rotating out of the Dolphins this week allowing someone else to finally have a chance) the "Bald Boys" secured a spotless victory over the "Dolphins." On the adjacent lane, Ryan Sisco gave his all with a 438 series, but despite his valiant effort, the "Dolphins" couldn't avoid the sweep. "Balderdash" remains a strong contender in 2nd place, while the "Dolphins" find themselves treading water in 4th place but at least still don't have a losing record.

Bowlers who gave the bouncer "special favors" in the alley to get bumped to the front of the line for The 200 Club include: AJ Hofmann (226), Dennis Walling (200), Matthew Taylor (219,200), Nick Kinney (233,201), and Seth Gunderson (210)

The 389 rolled by JoAnne Barber is this season's new high series among women.

In this week's Tournament of Champions brackets: Nobody claimed victory in Division 1 (though Dennis Walling came closest), while AJ Hofmann mopped up Division 2. Scott Murdock routed Division 3, and nobody claimed victory in Division 4 (though Chris Lenz came closest). In terms of overall points: Michael Gordon holds the reins in Division 1; Ben Spencer calls the shots for Division 2; Doug Lenz dominates Division 3; and Chris Lenz and JC Cox top Division 4 in a tie.

NEXT WEEK:

• First, on lanes 1&2, 1st-place Vigs Eras Tour 2023 will tussle with 4th-place Sun Dolphins (hcp 143). The Vigs Tour crew is expected to maintain their current strength as they sweep the series; while Dolphins are forecast to drop their average a bit while they endure a rough night.
• Moving to lanes 3&4, 2nd-place Balderdash will test their mettle against 3rd-place √-1 (hcp 116). Bald Boys might perform well and sweep the series; while Imaginary Number ought to drop their average a bit while they endure a rough night.
• Finally, on lanes 5&6, 5th-place Glory Bowl will share a couple of pitchers with 6th-place DB Lenz a Hand (hcp 26). The G-Holers are predicted to roll decently and sweep the series; while DB Handlers are anticipated to drop their average a bit while they endure a rough night.

^*(Remember, the predicted results above are based on mathematical extrapolations and can be changed by all sorts of factors. If you don't like how your team's results are predicted, you and your teammates have the power to prove the math wrong!)

THIS WEEK'S MVB Chris Windham Runner Up: (See Posting)	#1 POWER BOWLER AJ Hofmann Runner Up: Nick Kinney	#1 H2H BOWLER AJ Hofmann Runner Up: Nick Kinney
FROM THE GUTTER (GUTTER QUOTE) "I love Jeremy's leathery ball bag." Matthew Taylor, on the rugged texture a well-worn bag.