Jacob Thomas defeated Joe Johnson 212-171 to win the MAST event at Viking Lanes in Stoughton Saturday. Thomas qualified 5th at 954, and followed that up with 1036 over four matches en route to the victory. The title is Thomas’ second in a row, following last month’s win at the doubles event at Schwoegler’s.
37 bowlers competed on Viking’s house shot. Jeff Prein finished qualifying with a 275 game to claim the 12th & final qualifying spot by one pin at 919, but fell to Thomas 266-247 in match play. Thomas accounted for the day’s only honor count with 824 over his first three matches, including a 279-278 victory over tournament leader David Labinski in the semifinals. There were several other near misses, with Paul Bloemer’s 299 game to open qualifying, and Labinski’s 793 in his first three games of qualifying. Labinski’s 1051 qualifying set earns him an additional 25 points in the M & J Truck and Auto Points Race.
Tour co-sponsor M & J Truck and Auto Repair added $300 to the prize fund for this event. Tour co-sponsor Schwoegler’s Pro Shop donated a Brunswick Fanatic SS bowling ball at cost, won by Nate Sime. Host center Viking Lanes provided a lineage discount, as well as a free entry in their 8-Pin Tap Team Tournament (won by Shaun Taliaferro) and four $10 gift cards (won by Pete Rusch, Brent Ritchie, and two by Taliaferro). Combined proceeds from these added $491 to the tournament’s prize fund. MAST extends a huge Thank You to M & J Truck and Auto, Schwoegler’s Pro Shop, and Viking Lanes for their generosity.
Our next event is the split-squad doubles at Middleton Sport Bowl on Saturday, February 25th. The field for that event is capped at 40 teams, please check Facebook or contact a MAST tournament official to reserve a spot.