Bowlers From Across Central Connecticut Compete In Tournament

By Erica Drzewiecki, The Bristol Press

January 18, 2022

A total of 35 teams participated in the Greater Central Connecticut Bowling Association’s 14th annual Mixed Bowling Tournament this year.

The United States Bowling Congress (USBC) certified tournament took place at Lessard Lanes in Plainville over the last two weekends, bringing together bowlers from across Central Connecticut.

“Everything went well,” GCC-USBC manager Rick Virgadula said Sunday, on the final day of the competition.

Teams consisted of two females and two males and 69 doubles participated, some of them newcomers to the organization’s event.

“We had more walk-ins this year, which was nice,” board member Lori Bailey pointed out. “Yesterday we filled the whole house.”

The Hebron resident said she’s been bowling since she was 10 years old and enjoys the sport greatly.

“This is a great establishment,” she added.

Many members bowl regularly at Lessard Lanes, which traditionally serves at the “house” for this particular tournament.

Teams played three games each and scores were tabulated by their total points and their handicap.

GCC-USBC officers and board members live around the area. Tournament Director Clair Bailey is originally from New Britain but now lives in Plainville. Virgadula, also a New Britain native, resides in Bristol.

Bailey was happy with how the event went over the last two weekends.

“It got a little hectic with our walk-ins but otherwise it ran pretty smoothly,” she said. “It was a better turnout. There were very few substitutes, and not just because of covid.”

The Lessard family is following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) to prevent the spread of illness at their center, sanitizing balls, shoes and all surfaces after use. Bowlers who are unvaccinated are required to remain masked during their visit.

The GCC-USBC’s 16th annual Women’s Open Tournament is set to take place the first two weekends in February at Apple Valley Bowling in Plantsville.

Erica Drzewiecki can be reached at edrzewiecki@centralctcommunications.com.