Lorraine Deibler laughed and said her team-high 720 series "was just luck."

Of course, there was also a great deal of skill involved when Deibler and her four teammates — Chelsea Weik, Robyn Graham, Lynda Johnson and Beth Graham — had a day for the record books in the Lancaster City-County tournament April 26 at Columbia Lanes.

The five, using the team name "Graham Crackers," combined for a three-game series total of 3,482.

It turned out to be the nation's best five-woman series for the period from Aug. 1, 2007, through July 31, 2008, as recorded by the United States Bowling Congress.

"It was just a good day," Deibler said. "We all just clicked."

Deibler's 720 was followed by Weik's 712, Robyn Graham's 708, Johnson's 693 and Beth Graham's 649.

"When we bowled it, we knew it was a good score," Robyn Graham said. "We were just on fire. It worked out great. But we had no idea it would be the best score in the nation. We were definitely surprised."

Four of the five, all except for Johnson, bowl in the Myers Auto Body Ladies League Thursday nights at Leisure Lanes.

The Grahams (who are not related), Johnson and Deibler have bowled together in a number of state and local competitions.

Weik, a 2006 Ephrata High graduate, is a relative newcomer to the group.

Beth Graham said an adjustment after a subpar showing the previous night might have helped her score.

"On Friday night, I didn't bowl very well," she said. "I brought another ball on Saturday. I don't know if that made a difference or not."

The quintet's scores by game: Deibler, 212, 287, 221; Weik, 222, 256, 234; Robyn Graham, 222, 230, 256; Johnson, 223, 244, 226; Beth Graham, 265, 190, 194.

The nation's second-best series in that time period was 3,470 by a team from Arlington, Texas.

Mixed doubles winners: Randy Lee Merklinger and Ellen Merklinger won the Promotion Membership Steering Committee Mixed Doubles Tournmanet last weekend at Cain's Lanes.

The Merklingers had a pin total of 1,408. Tracy Beck and Michael Sheeler were second with 1,395, followed by Fred Wilds and Peggy Sultzbach (1,368), Angela Sheets and Stephen Wenzel (1,360) and Mary Peed and William Pugh (1,357).

The rest of the tournament leaders:

6. Jacquelene Ries and Rudy Ries, 1,355; 7. Chelsea Weik and Jerred Poff, 1,326; 8. Suzanne Ryan and Ronald Ryan, 1,314; 9. Donna Kurtz and Kevin Kurtz, 1,305; 10. Nancy Dull and Dale Reese, 1,296; 11. Crystal Martin and Eric Smith, 1,293; 12. Mary Peed and Andrew Stone, 1,284; 13. Mary Peed and Walter Root, 1,283; 14. Matthew Musselman and Tara Musselman, 1,276; 15. (tie) Rachel Stum and Chris Stum; Emily Shiel and Walter Gregg, 1,276; 17. Theresa Sosko and Ronald Blechinger, 1,274; 18. (tie) Denise Olson and Jerome Olson; Melissa Johnson and Kevin Anderson, 1,273.

Women's high scores: Tracy Beck, 672; Ellen Merklinger, 665; Chelsea Weik, 657; Jody Fetterhoff, 633; Tracy Beck, 624; Donna Kurtz, 621.

Men's high scores: Mike Sheeler, 723; William Pugh, 716; Randy Lee Merklinger, 713.

Bowling ball winners: Jody Fetterhoff, Sharon Kulp.

Alley notes: Perfect games were rolled by Justin Hart and Tim Laurento at Garden Spot and Mike Wimer at Dutch.

Almost perfect games were rolled by Junior Leventure (299) and Jon Rogers (298) at Dutch.

High series (800, men; 700, women) were rolled by Lisa Farwell (781) and Darlene Anderson (723) at Clearview; Troy Lint (838) and Terry Martin (826) at Blue Ball; and Donna Pannebecker (700) at Dutch.

Notes: If you have suggestions for the column or a recommendation for a featured bowler, call Sports Editor Jim Hersh or e-mail jhersh@lnpnews.com.


High scores

Clearview

Men: Josh Becker 782, Dave Kready 762, Jeff Becker 737, Marv Rote 699, Mike Sheeler 671, Bill Johns 669 (Monday HDCP); Dale Hilsher 621, Len Mumma 598 (Men's Church); Ken Neidinger 729, Chris Beaver 639 (Donegal HDCP); Mike Johnson 672, Chris Johnson 640 (Wednesday Sportsmen); Jon Voutsas 745, John Henry 689, Carl Meachum 686, Don Wagner 685, Henry Blough 676, Nick McCaulley 661 (Tuesday Businessmen).

Women: Lisa Farwell 672, Amy Livingston 629 (Ladies Classic); Darlene Anderson 607, Mindy Lease 543 (Pinbelles); Lynette Brown 490, Maryann Swartz 470 (Kennels).

Mixed: Darlene Anderson 723, Merlin Bordner 696, Ryan Lightner 691, Henry Blough 682, Chris Stum 668, Kyle Hosking 661, Joe Weber 655, Lisa Farwell 648, Amy Livingston 634 (Friday Mixed); Justin Fisher 587, Robin Baker 583, Dick Gallo 575, Julie Root 487 (Friday United Church); Bill Smith 658, Cory Winters 634, Shirlee Waugh 568, Kayla Reber 504 (Sunday Crackers); Lance O'Donnell 583, Nick Yorty 528, Karen Grose 495, Robin Baker 477 (Monday Mixed); Ray Husband 632, Emanuel Hoffer 605, Rhonda Millard 485, Carrie Farmer 347 (Clearview Leisure); Lisa Farwell 781, Chris Johnson 771, EJ Farwell 722, Bob Elzer 699, Dave Shelly 685, Tim Miller 682, Josh Becker 681, Jim Ritzman 681, Gary Reed 656, Darlene Anderson 645 (Monday Majors); Doug Keller 627, Andrew Shirk 590, Pat Weber 547, Sally Fanus 519 (Mixed Outlaws); Ed Hughes 617, Kathleen Nissley 598, Brendan Ford 573, Marla Brown 476 (Thursday Mixed); Dave Bleacher 521, Laura Bleacher 512, Dave Coble 508, Becky Witmer 477 (Thursday NASCAR); Shawn Nichols 620, Gary High 594, Rose Stasko 532, Mimi Agnew 469 (Thursday Industrial).

Seniors: Milt Heilman 586, Tom Mulleavy 550, Bill Gottschalk 530, Glenn Shank 524, Mim Lancaster 511, Fern Conner 495 (Tuesday Seniors); Milt Heilman 608, Jan Olnick 564, Ann Epler 519, Bill Parry 448 (Early Birds).

Juniors: Shaun Meier 605, Aaron Maze 588, Tyler Mena 585, Darren Miller 575, Adam Fink 567, Steven Ritzman 552, Jenae Yoder 461, Amanda Jamison 404 (American); Quentin Houseal 490, Mitchell Hoffmaster 459, Lori Flowers 381, Olivia Farwell 357 (Prep).


Blue Ball

Lance Lab Horst 718, Kerry Smith 678 (Blue Ball Garden Spot); Troy Lint 838 (Honey Brook); Tyler Weaver 747, Kerry Smith 684 (New Holland Boro); Jason Townsend 683, Kristen Brill 589 (Wed Travel); Jake Green 727 (Twin Valley); Jeff Green 727, Melissa Heas 589 (Monday Mixers); Dennis Reher 707, Terri Kretlow 484 (New Holland Church); Ed Daily 691, Kara Miller 503 (Tues. Mix); Bryan Miller 775 (Tues. Bowl 4 $); Terry Martin 826, Wynetta Martin 634 (Wed Mixed); Bill Hamilton 521, Kelli Hamilton 581 (Thurs Mix); Bob Good 705, Tracy Messner 568 (Starlighters); Terry Martin 7725, Nicola Ball 534 (Sunday Mixed); Darren Heindel 700, Jeanne Fisher 550 (Railroad); Harry Charlesen 748, Marie Showalter 491 (Thur Seniors); Matt Martin 595, Elizabeth Donnelly 624 (Sat Jr. Lg.).


Leisure

Men: Wil Kellenberger 712 (McCombs Supply); Durbin Fisher 732, Brian Rothweiler 701 (AMF Ind); Leo Young 646 (Klines RV); JD Kellenberger 705, Robby Gingrich 697 (City County Ind); Eric Smith 736 (Tues Mens Hdcp); Bob Miller 687 (Indoor World); Spencer Dowell 781, Eric Keller 702 (Lanc Ind); Troy Lint 753, Chris Vital 686, Dean Brooks 678, Joel Logan 659 (Myers Auto Body Challenge); Ron Drotos 658 (Millersville Men); Brian Heaps 681 (Conestoga Ind); Carl McDuffie 728, Mike Miller 694, Tim Wolf 694, Mike Lewis Jr. 690, Jim Brown 684, Don Copeland III 680 (Midway Men).

Women: Lucinda Shade 495 (Hopefuls); Tara Musselman 599 (Precious Gems); Angela Williams 540 (Sparklers); Kelly Fisher 632 (Sparemakers); Gerry Skiles 485 (Jewels); Wendi Simet 670, Jill Mimmau 632, Darlene Miner 617, Chelsea Weik 601 (Myers Auto Body Ladies).

Mixed: Chris Hess 612, Mary Easton 481 (Funtime); Rick Graham 709, Beth Graham 667 (Zodiac); Mike Hemler 609, Brenda Good 487 (Ball and Chain); Mark Smoker 675, Cristine Stock 580 (Turtle); Don Cunningham 633, Joyce Rehkugler 547 (AM Ind); Bob Sultzbach 621, Terry Kilheffer 514 (Mixed Nuts); Chris Ashwood 629, Diane Jones 607 (Leisure Times); Rick Bouder 691, Shirley Redcay 612 (Southern End); Brandon Cox 677, Donna Wilkie 433 (Late Mixed Nuts); Ron Deiter 640, Deb Kling 495 (Garys Pro Shop); Anthony Deverter 564 (Armstrong Eng); Mike Barr 700, Judy Bleacher 515 (BCA); Rick Wolf Jr. 719, Ashley Rinehart 655 (Wed Mix); Scott Kennedy 681, Jody Sheppard 670, Kris Tomlinson 609 (Thurs Mix); Mark Bauer 607, Threesa Sokso 585 (Pa Pride Insulation); Phil Mount 646, Lisa Cuningham 529 (Knights of Columbus); Don Ledwith 567, Lisa Day 625 (Roses and Thorns); Dennis Shufflebottom 776, Ashley Eby 532 (Derrs Auto Transport); Harold Sellers 577, Sue Otthofer 484 (Mix and Match); Earl Neidig Jr. 593, Sue Miller 455 (Mountville Mix); Rob Murray 644, Melanie Akers 531 (Fri Mixers)

Seniors: Dick Schell 617, Gloria Jones 489 (Manor North); John Herr 500, Carole Everett 444, Pat Files 444 (AARP); Carl Melin 494, Helen Brown 415 (Woodcrest); Galen Zook 675, Richard Goss 672, Russell Gantz 624, Don Cunningham 590, Ron Hart 574, Joe Arsenault 559, Charlie Albin 554, Jean Lapham 498 (Tender Tears); Dave Stalknecht 574, Betty Palmieri 507 (Lakes Campus); Jerry Ackerman 546, Doris Kendall 543 (Millersville Srs); Glen Lutz 696, Lee Rummel 665, Jphn Erney 638, Bob Buzzendore 620, Barry Hemperly 589, Don Bissinger 579, Les Schoelkoph 577, Norm Tomlinson 575, Larry Trice 574, Jerry Ackerman 574, Ray Smuck 572, Russell Gantz 571, Fred Kendall 568, Don Cunningham 563, Joe Sabatine 560, Heiner Stoll 560, Earl Frey 553, Doris Kendall 509 (Thurs Srs).

Juniors: Jordan Turner 391, Brielle Bitts 363 (Bantam Prep Div); John Dooley 571, Cody Knable 438 (Jr Div); Jamie Rutherford 692, Anthony Wishard 666, Tyler Schickel 659, Brent Himmelreich 655, Chelsea Erb 500 (Major Div).


Garden Spot

Men: Rich Ferrier 691 (Family Twosome); Clint Metz 675 (Wildcat); Bob Wagaman 680 (Thunder); Dan Brobst 671, Jeff Walsh 661 (RPM); Charlie Young 652 (Noisemakers); Ralph Walton 675 (Sat. Nite NFL); John Kirkner 695, Alan Wakefield 694, Bill Supplee 662, John Mahan 659, Justin Hart 657 (Sun. Night Mxd.); Jerry Thomas 676, Bill Moore Jr. 668, Jamie Blain 660, Kevin Riley 655 (Levi's Classic); Glenn Denlinger 696, Milt Burrell Jr. 690, Jeff Shultz 686, Justin Hart 682, Tim Weaver 681, Preston Felty 681, Don Williams 680, Ron Sheetz 661, John Mahan 660, Charlie Rhoades 654 (Central); Don Vanderslice 683, Matt Baker 662, Kevin Buchanan 660, Mike Pollack 654, Steve Curran 652(Strasburg Community); Steve Fisher 681, Jeff Shultz 680, Carl Lucci 677, Kyle Teaman 663, Steve Kocik Sr. 656, Kevin Butler 656 (GS Men).

Women: Sis Summers 560 (Noisemakers); Deb Mentzer 582 (Trio); Erin Skiles 576, Tiff Hart 575 (Sun. Night Mxd.); Charlie Ballantyne 560 (Nickel Mine); Betty Walls 583, Bam Brookins 563, Jodi Book 557, Moe Cooper 553 (Strasburg Community); Terry Johnstone 565 (Mechanic Grove).

Seniors: Charlie Rhoades 691, Sam Piper 624, Les Greenwalt 621, Norm McVey 567, Frank Hargen 564, Ken Corey 537, Jack Snider 511, Ruth Sangrey 493, Alverda Zook 472, Dorothy Ulmer 466, Sara June Brown 434 (Thurs. Seniors); Lois Miller 527, Jerry Shank 504, Otis Harrison 481, Joan Simmers 425 (Swingin' Seniors).

Juniors: Troy Carter Jr. 379 (Family Twosome); Ryan McClaren 691, Heather Supplee 629, Josh Wakefield 623, Stephan Englehart 614, Brandon Dooley 535, Ross McCauley 484, Mike Eshleman 474, Ali Crist 445, Gage LeFever 384, Elizabeth Maberry 352, Carrie Shertz 317, Tana McFeat 235, Elizabeth Long 210, Stephanie Crist 161, Pedro DeJesus 142 (Sat. Juniors).


Dutch

Men: Ken Olson 696, Chad Weaver 642, Tom Weitzel 620 (Sunday Night Mix); Andy Pannebecker 703, Curt Baker 655, Ric Bromirski 637 (Brownstown Mix); Jon Rogers 776,298, Dave Adams 728, Dick Alexander 709, Andy Bobetsky 703 (Industrial/Service); Kevin Boyer 719, Mike Givler 674, Marcus Cofre 653 (Tri-Town Church); Joey Brown Jr. 618, Hank Schwartz 612 (Lucky Nuts); Jason Rieker 634, Buddy Dimeler 603 (Hi-Fliers); Randy Haldeman 694, Dave Farmer 643, Craig Becker 641 (Ephrata Mix); Gene Sholly 708, Andy Boehler 702, Dave Adams 679 (Woodstream); Marc Johns 756, Rick Miller 704, Josh Huber 738 (Lancaster County Travel); Bob Kennedy 719, Bryan Kauffman 688, Darryl Yarnes 658 (Lincoln Forest); Steve Martin 735, Glen Habecker 600, Scott Weaver 600 (Lancaster North End); Jim Miller 642, Dale Pannebecker 638, Randy Haldeman 604 (New Holland Men); Mike Graves 685, Lester Wise 646, Fred Armstrong 600 (Simply Everything); Kirk Sheneberger 787, Mike Wimer 778,300, Junior Laventure 775,299, Marc Johns 759, Todd Montgomery 721, Dean Shupp 713 (Commercial); Leroy Claar 652, Jee Arment 618, Perry Lorah 616 (Ephrata Church); Chris Mace 630, Mike Reichwein 599 (T.G.I.F); Sandy Snook 670, Rick Miller 633, Jeff Leid Sr. 613 (North End Mix); Rick Ober 650 (Friday Night Mix): Mike Wimer 754,300, Doug Davidson 722 (Saturday Night Travel).

Women: Nancy Hafer 475 (Sunday Night Mix); Bert Myers 620, Jaclyn Greenly 619 (New Holland Ladies); Donna Pannebcker 700, Christy Ayres 656, Ellen Merklinger 626 (Brownstown Mix); Shauna Mattson 502 (Lucky Nuts); Janet Horst 588 (Hi-Fliers); Cindy Farmer 650, Janice Meckley 604 (Ephrata Mix); Beth Auker 563 (Woodstream); Denise Woodworth 603, Kelly Bell 600 (Ephrata Ladies); Pat Schappell 539 (Lincoln Forest); Lisa Stover 541 (Simply Everything); Kelly Claar 541 (Ephrata Church); Amy Yocum 477 (T.G.I.F); Tina Ausherman 478 (North End Mix); Marilyn Sedlak 462 (Friday Night Mix).

Seniors: Glenn Miller 625, Dick Kellenberger 577, Elmer Pierce 574, Marilyn Woods 508, Ruth Eddy 461, Dorothy Wambold 457 (Young At Heart); Wilson Strausser 628, Carl Partridge 612, Al Nihoff 596 (Monday Srs); Wilson Strausser 632, Carl Partridge 624, Al Nihoff 611, John Darrenkamp 610, Glenn Miller 591(Thursday Srs); Millie Peifer 536, Dawn Sweigart 505 (Dutch Maids).

Juniors: Cameron Zwally 313, Tyler Walton 278, Joseph Sweigart 245, Kaleigh Kramer 168, Jamie Chon 159 (Bantum); Nic Skoronski 383, Matthew Snyder 370, Tyler Good Sweigart 311, Cristin Chon 287, Rachell Waddell 262, Elizabeth Mace 256 (Zoo); Rodney Rippy 478, Cody Connelly 433, Daniel Reichard 413, Grace Chon 445, Brandi Whitmyer 395, Kellie Olson 388 (Co-Ed): Justin Eberhart 686, Philip Brandt 638, Justin Hammerstone 636, Ben Bieganski 620, Kevin Beers 607, Briana Ord 616, Christina Leid 580, Crystal Connelly 530 (Seniors).


Rocky Springs

ABC: Paul John Holberg 613 (Holtwood 10 Pin); Jack Walton 531 (What Not); Darin Groff 645 (Nut).

WIBC: Donna Kurtz 633, Cindy McLaughlin 625 (Retail Ladies); Sue Gamble 497 (Friendship).

Mixed: Andy Thomas 631, Cristal Burkholder 515 (Rocky Early Birds); Skip Kramer 635, Audrey Styer 507 (Monday Night Travelers); Don Steinmetz Jr. 582, Cyd Lucci 477 (General Contractors); Don Keperling 636, Shirley White 516 (Winter Flower); Greg Weidman 596, Brandy Coyle 445 (Media Heights); Ryan Stoll 683, Carol Beiler 596 (New Beginnings); Ray Barlow 716, Jody Fetterhoffer 676 (Semi-Classic); Jason Bachman 556, Sue Eichelberger 539 (Mixed Rainbow); Urian Nelson 521, Dee Stoltzfus 437 (Friday Nighters); Mike Chant 525, Linda Fisher 338 (Ticket Master).

Seniors: Robert Freiler 609, Ken Yoder 551, Warren Hess 536, Glenn Lutz 532, Joe Sabatine 524, Jere Ostermayer 520, Lou Sparacino 515, Robert Welsh 505, Shirley White 437 (Bob Rudisill Srs); Bob Brubaker 538, Millie Pritz 502 (Club 55); Bette High 469 (Duffy's Ladies); Richard Urban 557, George Engle 505, Anne Fullam 469 (Rocky Springs Srs).

Juniors: Jonathan Keeney 188, Lisa Keller 245 (Homeschool League).


Cain's

Men: Corey Kaylor 600 (Sun. Mixers); Alan Sides 637 (Church); Randy Wlbert 631 (Merchants); Dave Farmer 725, Steve Keen 715 (Lanc. City/County Travel); Gary Rynier 627 (Lititz); Dale Kurtz 509 (Thurs. Winter).

Women: Rose Tshudy 402 (Sun. Mixers); Rose Balmer 517 (Church); Deb Nauman 476 (Thurs. Winter).