Ballard, Varano Fall Short at Junior Gold

Incoming freshmen ousted at major tournament

by Rod Williamson

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Vanderbilt’s two soon-to-be Commodores were finally ousted from the U18 Junior Gold Championship on Saturday, ending a gallant five-day pursuit of the sport’s top junior trophy.

Victoria Varano was topped in the quarterfinals of the elimination bracket by eventual finalist Annalise O’Bryant, 374-362, to end her run. Varano had begun her Saturday defeating Brianna Rogers, 415-398.

Alyssa Ballard was downed by Kaylee Back, 433-410, in a high-scoring contest Saturday. Back would reach the elimination bracket finals before losing to O’Bryant.

In an age division that began with 569 hopefuls, being among the last dozen bowlers standing is indeed an impressive accomplishment. Bowl.com has complete results.