On May 21, 2022, Franklin resident and high school student, Marissa Ewing, claimed the top spot in Saturday’s Outrun the Bear (OTB) Candlepin Bowling Tournament hosted by Ryan’s Family Amusement in Millis, Mass. At the age of 18, this makes Marissa the youngest winner and first female to claim the singles championship title in the history of the tournament.

Marissa competed against 87 pro and semi-pro bowlers from around New England in the elimination-style tournament. After surviving 12 rounds of play, the rookie found herself in the finals against 4x time OTB Champion and pro bowler Korey Packard from Sutton, Ma. It was a close finish between the two competitors with Marissa coming out on top for a final score of 144 (handicap) / 104 (scratch) to Korey’s 116 (handicap) / 106 (scratch). She ended the day with an impressive 547 pins for her last 5 games.

Marissa graduates from Franklin High School in June and will attend Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Boston, Mass. in their accelerated nursing program.

The final results of the singles handicap tournament:

• 1st Place: Marissa Ewing, Franklin

• 2nd Place: Korey Packard, Sutton

• 3rd Place: Austin Barnes, Londonderry, NH

• 4th Place: John Ahearn, Foxborough

• 5th Place: Justin Scali, Boxborough

• 6th Place: Keith Beaupre, Lynn

• 7th Place: Chuck Desrosiers, Methuen

• 8th Place: Dave, Hodge-Mallahan, Saugus

• Tournament High Single Scratch (157) – Kris Winiarz, Manchester NH & Keith Beaupre, Lynn

• Tournament High Single Handicap (172) – Rob Brown, Amesbury

• Women’s High Single Scratch (134) – Kim Pelletier, Bradford

This tournament was generously sponsored by Winthrop Wealth, Tax Strategy Pro, and Mel’s Commonwealth Café of Wayland.

About Outrun the Bear Tournament

Established in 2014, the elimination-style tournament is known for its high level of difficulty and is praised for its challenging format. After each round, a percentage of the lowest scoring bowlers are eliminated leaving 2 bowlers to battle in the final round. OTB presents 3 tournaments a year with a mix of styles (singles, doubles, teams, scratch, and handicap). The tournament was founded by husband-and-wife Dan and Caitlyn Finn of Franklin, Ma, and has quickly become a fan favorite in the bowling community.