The second week of Spring 2025 featured a surprise Dolphin visit and a mix of triumphs lifting teams to new heights and crushing defeats sending others tumbling. The outcome resulted up an early start to a very familiar looking set of standings and set the stage for what will likely be a tug-of-war between the defending champs and their usual top rivals. JoAnne Barber showcased her dominance with the highest women's game (184) and series (447), while Nick Kinney put on a show with the top men's game (220) and series (543). But the numbers only tell part of the story—read on for the dramatic details!

FILPB should be ashamed of themselves for making these adorable kittens cry.

First up, on lanes 1 & 2: FILPB got out their scalpels and neutered Flamboyant Fluffy Kittens. Fueled by Nick Kinney’s impressive 543 series and backed by the unstoppable #1 Power-Ranked and Most Valuable Bowler Buck Nasty, Eff It steamrolled their opponents in a commanding clean sweep. Their victory was met with celebration, as they catapulted themselves into 1st place, savoring the sweet taste of dominance. Meanwhile, Fluffykins, despite a valiant effort from Dustin Schmeltz and his solid 514 series, were left licking their wounds after a brutal shutout. The once-proud kittens slumped to 4th place, their purrs replaced with quiet meows of despair.

This is kind of weird but it was the least creepy option for a photo showing Hopelessness and Squid.

On lanes 3 & 4: The battle between a Dolphin-assisted Squid Row and the ever-underdog Gutterly Hopeless was a tug-of-war of epic proportions. With the tenacious #1 Head-to-Head Ben Spencer leading Squid Row with a strong 511 series, they seemed poised to dominate. But Hopeless refused to live up to their name, rallying behind JoAnne Barber’s stellar 447 series to fight tooth and nail for a split decision. The deadlock saw Squid Row slip to 2nd place, while Hopeless held their ground in 5th—perhaps a glimmer of hope on the horizon? In any case, it's safe to say everyone was happy for the sub-in by Scott Thompson.

Bowls Deep got Progress Barred.

Finally, down on lanes 5 & 6: delivered an absolute masterclass against Bowls Deep. With AJ Hofmann leading the charge with a 484 series, Team Name Loading swept their opponents off the lanes, riding a wave of jubilation as they soared to 3rd place. Meanwhile, Bowls Deep found themselves in the depths of despair, as newcomer Ian Estey’s respectable 455 series wasn’t enough to keep them from drowning in a clean sweep. The echoes of defeat left them stagnant in 6th place, searching for a lifeline.

The drama is heating up as the season progresses—who will rise, and who will crumble under the pressure? Stay tuned for more high-stakes action next week!

Bowlers who stumbled into The 200 Club include: Dustin Schmeltz (212) and Nick Kinney (220)

JoAnne Barber earned both this season's women's high game and series with her 184 and 447, respectively.

NEXT WEEK:

• First, on lanes 1&2, 6th-place Bowls Deep (hcp 180) will tussle with 2nd-place Squid Row. DEEEEEEP is expected to perform well, yet still manage to get swept; while Squid is forecast to hold steady as they rack up a sweep.
• Moving to lanes 3&4, 3rd-place (hcp 78) will meet with 1st-place FILPB. Team Name Loading might roll a little low and get swept; while Eff It ought to hold steady as they rack up a sweep.
• Finally, on lanes 5&6, 5th-place Gutterly Hopeless (hcp 52) will spend some quality time with 4th-place Flamboyant Fluffy Kittens. Hopeless are predicted to roll decently, but split the series with Fluffykins; while Fluffykins are anticipated to hold steady as they keep the series tied.

^*(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 Buck Nasty Runner Up: (See Posting)	#1 POWER BOWLER Buck Nasty Runner Up: Ben Spencer	#1 H2H BOWLER Ben Spencer Runner Up: Nick Kinney
FROM THE GUTTER (GUTTER QUOTE) "Your league will be annexed as the 55th state, after we have out way with Greenland and Canada and the Panama Canal and Gaza." Der Führer and Acting President, after finding that this is a place we can escape reality for 2-1/2 hours.

Pos.	Team name	Record	Percent	Total Pins	Change
1	FILPB	7-1	.875	3,966	+1
2	Squid Row	5-3	.625	3,968	-1
3	(Team Name Loading)	5-3	.625	3,384	+1
4	Flamboyant Fluffy Kittens	3-5	.375	3,320	-1
5	Gutterly Hopeless	3-5	.375	2,926	n/a
6	Bowls Deep	1-7	.125	2,793	n/a