Kulick ready to lead Team USA

At PABCON Women's Championships

Kelly Kulick of Union, N.J., recently enjoyed one of the most successful seasons in bowling history, and now she's hoping to continue that momentum at the 2010 Pan American Bowling Confederation Women's Championships in suburban Las Vegas.> > The experienced right-hander and her Team USA teammates will test their skills against representatives from 13 other countries across the American Zone when they hit the lanes at Sunset Station Hotel and Casino's Strike Zone Bowling Center in Henderson, Nev. Kulick will be joined by Shannon O'Keefe of Arlington, Texas, Shannon Pluhowsky of Phoenix, Stefanie Nation of Grand Prairie, Texas, Liz Johnson of Cheektowaga, N.Y., and Tennelle Milligan of Arlington, Texas.> > During the six-day event, nearly 100 players will compete for medals in five-player team, trios, doubles, singles, all-events and Masters match play. > > The Americans have performed well at the PABCON Championships in the past. Last year, the Team USA women won four of six gold medals in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and in Santiago, Chile, in 2008, they won all six gold medals.> > In her 2008 PABCON appearance, Kulick, a six-time Team USA member, won gold medals in doubles, trios, team, all-events and Masters, and she's excited about the chance to repeat that performance.> > "It's refreshing to be able to bowl doubles, trios and team event during this competition," said Kulick, whose first Team USA appearance came in 1998. "It honestly reminds me of my collegiate years with teammates screaming and rooting one another to victory. I always feel there's a little less pressure knowing you have teammates who support you and have the same desire to win as you do. I think it's nobler to win with five other women than as an individual."> > In the highly-coveted five-player team event, Team USA has won the gold medal the past seven times and will look to extend that streak.> > "I've always known what an honor and privilege it is to represent your country," Kulick said. "And these women are my friends and teammates. We come together for one reason, which is to win. With each event, it gives us more experience working with one another and preparing us for future events. That excites me and motivates me to continue working hard to master the game."> > Kulick's recent dream season began in August of 2009 when she won the Professional Bowlers Association Women's Series Shark Championship. She found the winner's circle again in September with a victory at the Women's World Championship, which earned her a berth into the PBA Tournament of Champions. Kulick went on to win the Tournament of Champions, becoming the first woman to win a PBA national title.> > Her streak continued with a win at the 33rd Canon Malaysian International Open in March, the USBC Queens in April, the U.S. Women's Open in May and the PBA Northwest Region Tacoma Dodge Open in June.> > Along with helping her regain her exempt status on the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour, Kulick's dominance in the 2009-10 season also earned her a nomination for ESPN's "Best Bowler ESPY" for 2010 and a nod as one of 20 finalists (10 for individual competition and 10 for team competition) for The Women's Sports Foundation's Sportswoman of the Year.> > Competition at the PABCON Women's Championships is scheduled to begin with singles Monday at noon (Eastern) and continue through Oct. 1. > > The United States Bowling Congress will provide wire-to-wire live streaming coverage of the event on BOWL.com.> > United States Bowling Congress> The United States Bowling Congress, as the national governing body, ensures the integrity and protects the future of the sport, provides programs and services to more than two million adult and youth members and enhances the bowling experience.> > The interactive home of USBC is BOWL.com. Go to twitter.com/USBC for the fastest USBC headlines.> > Bowl with US> > PABCON CHAMPIONSHIPS LIVE STREAMING SCHEDULE> (Subject to change; all times Eastern)> > Sept. 27, noon, singles> Sept. 28, noon, doubles> Sept. 29, noon, trios> Sept. 30, noon, team> Oct. 1, noon, Masters