Newcomer Katie Gerard captures Women’s Masters crown

Shaw Local

it didn’t take long for Katie Gerard to make a name for herself in the Princeton bowling ranks.

The newcomer from Kewanee captured the 2022 Princeton Women’s Masters crown, leading from start to finish.

Gerard, who brought in the high average for the tournament of 197 bowling in the Monday night league, was the leader in the house after the opening rounds over the weekend of Jan. 22-23. She stretched her lead to nearly three points by rolling the high series for Day 3 of 1,221.

Newcomer Katie Gerard was crowned as the 2022 Princeton Women's Masters champion. (Photo provided)

Former champ Anna Flaig came on strong in Sunday’s final day and gave Gerard a run for her money.

Flaig rolled Sunday’s high series of 1,111 and gained two points on Gerard, but not quite enough to overtake the newcomer.

“It was a little nerve wracking. Lot of good bowlers,” Gerard said. “Anna really brought it and I needed to get it together in my mind and get as many pins as I could just to keep that lead there.”

Gerard finished with 90.18 Peterson Points while winning 14 matches and compiling an overall round of 4,516.

Flaig finished with 89.29 Peterson Points and an overall round of 4,479.

Gerard came to bowl in Princeton two years ago when both alleys in Kewanee shut down.

“My team and I called around and Princeton had spots open on Monday night, so we decided to go there and it’s worked out,” Gerard said.

Last year’s Master’s winner, Josie Lindsey, also is from Kewanee, but did not return to compete this year.