Norman thrills her family and friends en route to Terre Haute glory; PWBA: Greater Terre Haute Open - Pro Tour Results - Professional Women Bowlers of America - Interview

Bowling Digest, Oct, 2002

Brenda Norman claimed her first national PWBA title by defeating Tiffany Stanbrough, 195-148, in the finals of the Greater Terre Haute Open. The seven-year pro became the seventh different player to win an event this year, and for her effort she took home a first-place check worth $10,500.

"I was very nervous," Norman admitted. "I didn't get off to the best start, and Tiffany is a tough competitor. I just kept telling myself to make good shots and give myself a chance to win."

An Indianapolis native, Norman won the championship in front of a large contingent of family and friends who made the one-hour drive to Terre Haute. "It was great to be so close to home," Norman said. "Having my family and friends here to share in this gave me a huge boost and was very special."

Norman got off to a difficult start, suffering open frames in the 1st and 2nd while Stanbrough threw back-to-back spares. However, just as Stanbrough looked to gain control of the tilt, "Lil' Bit" clawed back with strikes in the 4th through 6th frames. Stanbrough then opened in the 5th and 6th to fall behind by 31 pins. "When Tiffany opened in two straight frames, I knew I got a break," Norman said. "From that point on, I didn't take anything for granted."

Also seeking her first title, Stanbrough won over the Hoosier crowd in the three-way shootout when she upended PWBA Player of the Year Carolyn Dorin-Ballard and Kendra Gaines, 235-225-202. "Every time you bowl in the championships, you can gain valuable experience," said Stanbrough. "I came up just a little short, but I feel good about the way I performed."

Greater Terre Haute Open

June 9, 2002
Terre Haute Bowling Center, Terre Haute Ind.

Name                       Avg./Games   Winnings

1. Brenda Norman             195/1       $10,500
2. Tiffany Stanbrough        193.3         5,800
3. Cara Honeychurch          179/1         4,000
4. Carolyn Dorin-Ballard     225/1         3,200
5. Kendra Gaines             202/1         2,800

               Championship Finals

Match 1   Stanbrough def. Dorin-Ballard   235-225
             Stanbrough def. Gaines       235 202
Match 2    Stanbrough def. Honeychurch    197-179

Final        Norman def. Stanbrough       195-148