The third week of Fall 2024 rolled in with anticipation, as one team soared to new heights and another tumbled down the standings. JoAnne Barber made waves with this week’s high game (126) and series (347) for the woman, while Matthew Taylor took center stage for the men with a high game (238) and series (614). Meanwhile, the Tournament of Champions divisions are locked and loaded, ready to bring head-to-head showdowns next week! Let’s dive into the play-by-play drama of this week's matchups.

See also: Bingo Results

First up, on lanes 1 & 2: The [unsure if this is a joke but it was what was written on the scoresheet so running with it] Scooter's Succulent Sausages™ took on Squid Row. Despite receiving a rallying effort from Dustin Schmeltz, who bowled an impressive 522 series, the Sausagemakers sizzled only moderately, securing just a single win. The pressure was on, but Squid Row, led by the indefatigable #1 Head-to-Head Matthew Taylor and his 614 series, firmly held their ground. Backed by Most Valuable Bowler Chris Windham, the squid squad swam away with 3 wins, feeling triumphant as they slid into 1st place. Scooter's Succulent Sausages™ are left reeling in 6th place, but hope to improve their recipe by next week.

On lanes 3 & 4: Sun Dolphins faced off against Bowls Deep in a passionate contest fueled by those who said no. With Ryan Sisco leading the Dolphins’ pod thanks to his solid 459 series, the Dolphins racked up 3 wins, leaving Bowls Deep barely able to come up for air. Though Kent Harms gave Bowls Deep a powerful thrust with his stellar 574 series, the team could only secure a single win. Sun Dolphins, now energized, hold steady in best-ever 4th, while Bowls Deep sinks a spot, dropping to 2nd, the sting of defeat weighing heavily.

Finally, down on lanes 5 & 6: A lopsided clash of good vs. evil as Stealing Pins in the Burrows faced the ruthless Scootytang. Asteriskly #1 Power-Ranked^* Nathan Burrows gave it his all, with a remarkable 384 series that made waves, but his Pin Thieves could only steal 1 victory. Across the aisle, Aaron Barber, commanding a 576 series, led Scootytang in a dominating performance, locking in 3 wins and leaving the Pin Thieves heartbroken. Both teams remain locked in their positions, with Scootytang in 3rd and the Pin Thieves languishing in 5th.
^*Nathan was able to resume bowling with his dominant hand after severely injuring it three weeks ago. Had he needed to bowl left-handed one more week we would have done an average-reset.

Bowlers who lied to their significant other claiming they stayed late to watch the rest of the debate but were really out having drinks at The 200 Club (aka Easy Inn) include: Aaron Barber (207), Ben Spencer (225), Dustin Schmeltz (216), Kent Harms (231), Matthew Taylor (238,214), and Seth Gunderson (200)

The 614 rolled by Matthew Taylor is this season's new high series for men.

NEXT WEEK:

• First, on lanes 1&2, 4th-place Sun Dolphins will chill with 5th-place Stealing Pins in the Burrows (hcp 63). Dolphins are expected to maintain their current strength as they win the series; while Pin Thieves are forecast to hold steady as they avoid getting swept.
• Moving to lanes 3&4, 3rd-place Scootytang (hcp 7) will face 1st-place Squid Row. Tang might roll a little low and lose the series but avoid getting swept; while Mmmm Calimari ought to drop their average a bit even as they enjoy their victories.
• Finally, on lanes 5&6, 6th-place Scooter's Succulent Sausages™ will roll against 2nd-place Bowls Deep (hcp 16). Sausagemakers are predicted to maintain their current strength as they lose the series but avoid getting swept; while Bowls are anticipated to hold steady as they enjoy their victories.

^*(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 Nathan Burrows Runner Up: Matthew Taylor	#1 H2H BOWLER Matthew Taylor Runner Up: Aaron Barber
FROM THE GUTTER (GUTTER QUOTE) "Scott!!! Stop watching the debate and take your turn bowling! I need to hurry home to make sure no one is eating my cats!" AJ, terrified just as we all were about our pets.