Woman bowler Kulick did much better than when she was here

Kelly Kulick — who competed in Medford three years ago — has been making the sports and network morning shows since she defeated Chris Barnes Sunday to become the first woman to win a PBA event. That she made it a major, the Tournament of Champions, only enhances the story.

Some of the stuff was very revealing: Kulick told on ESPN First Take how she was characterized in a Spider-Man comic because she befriended a daughter of one of the writers. In the pages, Kulick wound up hitting an evil-doer with a bowling pin, then was rescued by Spider-Man.

Some of it was silly: Harry Smith, on CBS’s Early Show, said of Kulick’s 152 opening game in the tournament, “I could have beaten you.” He no doubt thought the house shot (or easy oil pattern) had been put down.

Her victory really was something to see, especially since it came against one of the world’s best and most popular bowlers. For his part, Barnes, the 2007-08 player of the year, sat and watched Mika Koivuniemi beat Rhino Page, then watched Kulick beat Koivuniemi. When Barnes finally got up, he couldn’t find a shot, and there was no stopping Kulick, who won, 265-195. She earned $40,000 and a two-year tour exemption.

Barnes was gracious in defeat. He’s a bright guy and recognized the monumental occasion for what it was. But it did come at his expense. He was trying to win his second T of C crown, having done so in 2006. On his Facebook page, Barnes posted a picture of a rainbow with the notation, “there’s light at the end.” A friend joked, “That’s an oncoming train.” Barnes, referring to his match against Kulick, replied, “haha, that was yesterday.”

Barnes was a regular at Lava Lanes for the PBA’s nine-year run here and was a fan favorite. Kulick was here, too, when she was the first and only woman to qualify for exempt status on the tour. That was in the 2006-07 season, after she made it through the PBA’s qualifying tournament.

Here, she finished 63rd in the round of 64, failing to make the top 32 and advance to match play. She earned $1,800, finishing ahead of only Hall of Famer Norm Duke, who withdrew with a foot injury.

Kulick bowled alongside Hall of Famer Marshall Holman of Medford that day, and neither was thrilled with how things went.

Here’s the STORY that appeared in the M-T about them.