HAMMER NEWS

HAMMER’S LABINSKI ROLLS PERFECT GAME IN WISCONSIN STATE TOURNEY

NOTE: Shannon’s 300 game was confirmed as the second 300 game shot by a woman in Wisconsin State Tournament history. Lisa Vint was first to accomplish this feat in 2002.

Hammer Amateur Staff member Shannon Labinski used a Hammer Infection to roll a 300 game during the singles portion of the Wisconsin State Bowling Tournament on April 9th.

Labinski, of Wauwatosa, WI, is believed to be the first woman bowler to record a perfect game in what was formerly known as the “Mens” State Tournament.

“I never dreamed I’d throw a 300 game during the State Tournament,” said Labinski. “I have been working on my physical and mental bowling game for years and in that moment, I felt like much of my hard work had paid off.”

The perfect game came after games of 258 and 201 as she posted 759 in singles to go with 611 in team and 638 in doubles for a 2,008 all-events total. Labinski said she felt that she bowled well in doubles, yet needed something different to put together a big score.

“I switched to a pin-down Hammer Jigsaw Corner when we moved to the lanes for singles,” she said. “I started the third game with the Hammer Infection. It allowed me a little room right, without snapping off the spot.”

Labinski kept herself calm by chatting with teammates. However, the nerves made an appearance during the final frames of Game 3. She says she could hear the crowd roar with each shot in the 10th frame.

“I didn’t look at anyone beyond my three teammates, but I could feel how many people were watching me,” Labinski said. “I was confident with the ball reaction I had with the Hammer Infection, and I knew if I made good shots, my carry percentage would be pretty high.”

Labinski said the crowd was cheering before the 12th shot went flush in the pocket. She didn’t find out until later that she was the first women to ever roll a 300 game in the State Tournament.

“There are so many great bowlers in the state of Wisconsin and knowing I could go down in history means a lot to me,” she told “11th Frame” blogger Jeff Richgels. “Team titles and accomplishments are usually the most meaningful, but this was extra special because I was able to share it with so many people that have been a huge part of my journey within this sport.”

And Hammer has been right there with Labinski. This is her fourth year as a Hammer staffer, and she says Hammer balls work well in her game.

“Hammer equipment provides a wide range of ball motions and breakpoints,” said Labinski. “The variety of Hammer offers equipment that covers everything from heavy oil to burnt up/dry lane conditions. They have it all.”

Labinski’s two favorite balls, the Hammer Jigsaw Corner and the Hammer Infection, were on display during singles.

“Both balls are naturally clean through the front part of the lane and they favor my ball roll,” she said. “I am confident I will always have a Hammer ball in my bag to match up with any type of pattern I come across, and that helps me remain focused on simply executing good shots.”

— Hammer Bowling Balls & Bowling Equipment -Based in Hopkinsville, Kent., Ebonite International is a privately-owned company that currently services bowling centers, distributors and retail outlets both domestically and internationally. In addition to Hammer, the company’s consumer product brands include Track, Robby’s, Columbia 300, Ebonite and Powerhouse™; its commercial product brand is Ebonite Bowling Center Direct.

« Go Back

• 05/02/2011
  HAMMER’S LABINSKI ROLLS PERFECT GAME IN WISCONSIN STATE TOURNEY

  NOTE: Shannon’s 300 game was confirmed as the second 300 game shot by a woman in Wisconsin State