http://www.californiabowlingnews.com
by Fred Eisenhammer
next to her is Winnetka Bowl representative Daniel Giegoldt.
Photo by Fred Eisenhammer
WINNETKA — Julia Frias admitted she was surprised about the noisy reaction to her final shot in her Junior Royals league competition March 19 at Winnetka Bowl. “I didn’t know why everyone was screaming,” Julia said.
Julia had just struck out in the 10th frame to finish with a scorching 277 game. More importantly, Julia ended her three-game series at an even 800, reaching one of the benchmarks that elite bowlers seek
It marked the first 800 series for Julia, a graceful bowler from Winnetka who carries a 219 average. She started her series with scores of 255 and 268.
Julia, 18, was honored Saturday for her 800 achievement by the North Los Angeles County Bowling Assn. and Winnetka Bowl.
Julia bowls in her Saturday Junior Royals league as a part of a prolific two-person team with Justin Pluchino. Perhaps not coincidentally, Justin blistered a 752 series on the same day as Julia’s 800.
Julia says Justin pushes her and inspires her. They seem to fit well together. Julia is a lefty and Justin, 21, is a righty. Julia has one 800 series and is looking for her first perfect game. Justin, who averages a blistering 233, has one perfect game but no 800 series – though he has come close.
“We bowl better together,” said Julia, a senior from Canoga Park High School. “We’re always competing and yet we’re not competing.”
Since she was 12, Julia has been involved in Winnetka Bowl’s youth program, which is run by Ron Eisenberg.
She has received a $500 college scholarship from the California USBC Youth State Scholarship Award. Julia has not yet decided on which college to attend.
Justin has been involved in the Junior Royals since 2008 and like Julia, has won numerous tournament and team league championships. Justin says he hopes to bowl with Julia in future adult and junior events.