Natalie Rocha went undefeated to win the most recent Gulf Coast Women's Regional Billiards Tour 9-ball event, held September 30th, 2017, at Bogies Billiards in Houston, Texas. In the final, Rocha faced off with recent Houston Open Champion, Robyn Petrosino, overcoming the up-and-comer, 7-4. 

 

Twenty-seven women attended the ninth stop of the 2017 season, and the tour would like to thank all those who came out to support the event, along with Bogies Billiards, and tour sponsors, Cyclop Pool Balls Facebook.com/CyclopPoolBalls, Ozone Billiards OzoneBilliards.com, APA of North Harris County Facebook.com/APANorthHarrisCounty, Outsville Billiards, and Jimmy Jenkins Realty.

 

Following a short players’ meeting and draw, action commenced around noon, and Natalie Rocha came out firing. On her way to the final four winners’ side, she ousted Monica DeTuncq, 7-2, Gail “Thunder” Roles, 7-5, and Jillian Nickerson, 7-2. Gail “Virginia Slim” Eaton was on her way, securing wins over Natalie Mans, 7-5, Christy Stanton, 7-0, and Toni Esteves, 7-3. Robyn Petrosino bested Joyce Davis, 7-4, Brittany Williams, 7-2, and Loretta Lindgren, 7-4, while Kim “Texas Heat” Pierce took care of Terry Petrosino, 7-6, and Mona Nesh, 7-1. One loss side action kicked off, with Lindgren eliminating T. Petrosino, 5-1, and Esteves sliding by Roles, 5-3. After suffering a second round hit, Ellen Robinson won five matches, including wins over DeTuncq, 5-4, Yvonne Asher, 5-1, and Nesh, 5-1. Nickerson overcame Tiffany Mundie, 5-1, to line out the final four players remaining on the one loss side. Back on the east side, Eaton overcame R. Petrosino, 7-5, and Rocha sent Pierce west, 7-5. Rocha made quick work of R. Petrosino, claiming the hot seat, 7-1. In the west side stretch, Esteves overpowered Lindgren, 5-1, and Pierce, 5-4, while Robinson overcame Nickerson, 5-2, and Eaton, 5-4. Robinson won her fifth match, squeaking by Esteves, 5-4, but fell to R. Petrosino, 5-3. Once again, R. Petrosino would tee it up with Rocha, in search of a different outcome. Rocha was in rhythm, and R. Petrosino kept pace, until Rocha pulled ahead to end the set, 7-4. Congratulations to Natalie Rocha on the second win of her career, on the Gulf Coast Tour.

 

A special “congratulations” to Toni Esteves and Ellen Robinson, who achieved their highest finishes to date, on the Gulf Coast Tour! The tour would also like to welcome its five, new players who became WPBA Members and official Gulf Coast Tour Players, at this event; Christy Stanton, Brenda Gunter, Jillian Nickerson, Jackie Forster, and Nicole Melendez. 

 

The next Gulf Coast Tour Event 9-Ball Event will be held October 14th, 2017, at Bogies West, 9638 Jones Road, in Houston, Texas.  For more information about the WPBA sanctioned, Gulf Coast Women’s Regional Billiards Tour, visit GulfCoastWomensTour.com. 

The Gulf Coast Women’s Regional Billiards Tour is sanctioned by the Women’s Professional Billiard Association (WPBA), and is open to amateur, female players of all ages. The top 32 WPBA Exempt Professionals are not eligible to participate. The WPBA is the governing body of women’s professional billiards in the U.S. The WPBA Regional Tour System is the grass roots effort that feeds the WPBA Pro Billiards Tour. As a WPBA Regional Tour Member, players gain access to WPBA Pro Event Qualifiers and earn valuable WPBA Regional Tour Points which count toward earning invitations to the annual WPBA Regional Tour Championship and WPBA Pro Events. Whether it’s simply to challenge yourself, improve your game, or become a recognized professional, support and become a part of the longest-running, women’s sports organization in the U.S.; the WPBA.

If you are interested in starting a WPBA Regional Tour in your area, or participating on a WPBA Regional Tour, please contact the WPBA Office at 1.855.FOR.WPBA or visit www.WPBA.com. 

 

Gail Eaton, a.k.a. “Virginia Slim”, secured her fourth Gulf Coast Women’s Regional Billiards Tour victory of the season, overcoming Terry “The Terrorizer” Petrosino in the finals, 7-1, 5-4. In a second round match-up, Petrosino sent Eaton to the one loss side, 7-5, and went on to secure the hot seat over Yvonne Asher, 7-5. Eaton came back, winning nine matches, and reaffirming her number one ranking, on the Gulf Coast Tour.

 

On June 10th, 2017, female pool players from across Texas and Louisiana converged on Bogies Billiards and Sports Bar in Houston, Texas, to compete in the one-day, $500 added, 9-ball event, searching for their place in Gulf Coast Tour history. Room owners David and Shannon Richardson, along with tour sponsors Cyclop Pool Balls Facebook.com/CyclopPoolBalls, Ozone Billiards OzoneBilliards.com, APA of North Harris County Facebook.com/APANorthHarrisCounty, Outsville Billiards, and Jimmy Jenkins Realty, facilitated another successful event for the women of the  Gulf Coast Tour, the sixth stop of eleven events scheduled this year. The WPBA sanctioned regional tour has already amassed 82 player members, surpassing its entire 2016 membership, and anticipates breaking 100 members, this year!

 

On the edge of securing her first tour title, Terry Petrosino took out Dallas’ Cindy Cole, Gail Eaton, 7-5, and newcomer Laurie Clouette, 7-4, while Natalie Rocha bested Gail “Thunder” Roles, 7-2, and Loretta “The Gem” Lindgren, 7-1. Yvonne Asher was on a role, ousting San Antonio’s Marilina “Big M” Nieves, 7-4, Kim “Texas Heat” Pierce, 7-6, and Round Rock’s Veronica “Pistol” Perez, 7-6, while Tiffany Mundie surged, with wins over Julie Enzensperger, 7-6, Bonnie Mason, and D’Andrea McQuirter, 7-2. As the final four took shape, one loss action was underway. After suffering a first round blow at the hands of Petrosino, Cole came back to win four matches, eliminating Hopey Carter, 5-3, Bonnie Mason, Terri Resendez and Loretta Lindgren by the same score, 5-3, while Pierce ousted Amber Keithley, 5-1, and Clouette, 5-4. Nieves took out Roles, 5-2, Liz Yorek, 5-0, and McQuirter, 5-3, while Eaton sent home Julie Enzensperger, 5-1, Toni “Copperhead” Estevez, 5-0, and Perez, 5-1. As the final four on the one loss side rounded out, winners’ side actioned witnessed Petrosino overcome Rocha, 7-4, and Asher defeat Mundie, 7-3. Petrosino was on a roll, overcoming Asher for the hot seat, 7-5, drawing one step closer to victory. Back on the west side, Pierce overwhelmed Cole, 5-0, and Eaton ended Nieves, 5-2. Eaton went on to defeat Pierce and Asher by the same score, 5-2, to meet Petrosino in the finals. In the first set, Eaton came on strong, winning 7-1, but Petrosino wasn’t quite ready to relinquish the throne. In the second set, Petrosino answered back, but it was too little too late, as an unforced error sealed her fate, ending the set, 5-4.  

 

The tour welcomes its newest member, Laurie Clouette, of Houston, Texas. Laurie is not only a player, she is also the administrative assistant to Houston’s own, Jerry Olivier Cue Repair. The tour would like to congratulate Yvonne Asher, who secured one of her best finishes to date, and commend all the players who reached a career milestone at this event. 

 

The Gulf Coast Women’s Regional Billiards Tour is open to amateur, female players of all ages. The top 32 WPBA Exempt Professionals are not eligible to participate. The next Gulf Coast Tour 9-ball event will be held on August 26th, 2017, at Bogies Billiards West, 9638 Jones Road, in Houston, Texas. This event will be played on 8’ tables with Cyclop Pool Balls. Free practice begins at 10am, and the mandatory players’ meeting begins at 11am. For more information about the WPBA sanctioned, Gulf Coast Women’s Regional Billiards Tour, visit GulfCoastWomensTour.com. 

 

The Women’s Professional Billiard Association (WPBA) is the governing body of women’s professional billiards in the U.S. The Gulf Coast Women’s Regional Billiards Tour is a sanctioned, WPBA Regional Tour, part of the grass roots system that feeds the WPBA Pro Billiards Tour. Amateur, female players, who aspire to improve their game, and perhaps reach the pinnacle of the sport of billiards, can do just that through a WPBA Regional Tour. As a WPBA Regional Tour Member, players gain access to WPBA Pro Event Qualifiers and earn valuable WPBA Regional Tour Points which count toward earning invitations to the annual WPBA Regional Tour Championship and WPBA Pro Events. Whether it’s simply to challenge yourself, improve your game, or become a recognized professional, support and become a part of the longest-running, women’s sports organization in the U.S., the WPBA.

 

If you are interested in starting a WPBA Regional Tour in your area, or participating on a WPBA Regional Tour, please contact the WPBA Office at 1.855.FOR.WPBA or visit www.WPBA.com. 

Gail “Virginia Slim” Eaton came out on top amidst an impressive field of 27 semi-professional players to capture the Gulf Coast Women’s Regional Billiards Tour April Fool’s 9-Ball Event. Eaton captured the hot seat over Robyn Petrosino, 7-2, while Terry Petrosino made her way through the one-loss side, to meet Eaton in the finals. Eaton slid by Petrosino in the final game of the hill-hill thriller, capturing the first set, and her third Gulf Coast Tour victory of 2017.

 

Gail Eaton, a.k.a. “Virginia Slim”, secured her second Gulf Coast Women’s Regional Billiards Tour victory this year, overcoming an impressive field of 25 semi-professional players to capture the tour’s March Madness 9-Ball Event, and third stop on the 2017 calendar.  Eaton faced off with Houston’s Terry “The Terrorizer” Petrosino in the finals, where Petrosino defeated Eaton the first set, 7-5, but lost the second set, 5-2. 

 

On March 18th, 2017, some of the most talented female pool players in Texas and Louisiana converged on Bogies Billiards and Sports Bar in Houston, Texas, to compete in the one-day, $500 added 9-ball event, vying for a place in the Gulf Coast Tour winners’ circle. Room owners David and Shannon Richardson, along with tour sponsors Cyclop Pool Balls Facebook.com/CyclopPoolBalls, Ozone Billiards OzoneBilliards.com, APA of North Harris County Facebook.com/APANorthHarrisCounty, Outsville Billiards, and Realtor, Jimmy Jenkins, facilitated another successful event for the women of the  Gulf Coast Tour, the first of 11 events scheduled for 2017. Growing by leaps and bounds, the WPBA sanctioned regional tour has already amassed a following of 68 player members this year, in addition to securing a new venue, CK Billiards, in Dallas, Texas.

 

Seasoned tour veteran, Gail Eaton, surged to the to the winners’ side final four with wins over Amber Keithley, Liz Mitchel, 7-2, and Terri Resendez, 7-3, while Jennifer Yo defeated Tiffany Mundie and Tina Williams. Joyce Davis ousted Cindy Tillman, Gail Roles, 7-5, and Teresa Garland, 7-3, while Terry Petrosino took down Ricki Casper, 7-6, and daughter Robyn Petrosino, 7-4. After suffering a blow at the hands of Resendez,  Kim “Texas Heat” Pierce came back to win three in a row, eliminating Karen Reilly, 5-0, Mitchel, 5-2, and Garland, 5-3. Pierce was eliminated by R. Petrosino, 5-2. Following a second round loss to Garland, 7-3, Tam Trinh won five consecutive matches, logging wins over Bonnie Mason, 5-3, Roles, 5-3, Resendez, 5-2, and Loretta Lindgren, 5-4. Back on the east side, T. Petrosino defeated Joyce Davis, 7-3, while Eaton overcame Yo, 7-5. On the west side, Yo took out R. Petrosino, 5-3, while Trinh ended Davis, 5-4. In the hot seat match, Eaton dealt Petrosino her first blow, 7-3, while Yo dusted off Trinh, 5-1. Even though she had lost the hot seat, Terry Petrosino wasn’t done yet. She blew past Yo, earning herself a rematch with Eaton, which would prove to be a fight to the finish. Petrosino handed Eaton her first loss of the event, 7-5. In overtime, Eaton fought back, winning the second round, 5-2. Congratulations to Gail Eaton on her second tour victory of 2017! 

 

The tour would like to acknowledge and congratulate Joyce Davis who achieved her highest finish to date at this event, 5th-6th. 

 

 

The Gulf Coast Women’s Regional Billiards Tour is open to players of all ages and skill levels, however, the top 32 WPBA Exempt Professionals are not permitted to participate. The next Gulf Coast Tour 9-ball event will be held on April 1st, 2017, at Bogies West, 9638 Jones Road, in Houston, Texas. This event will be played on 8’ tables with Cyclop TV Set Pool Balls. Free practice begins at 10am, and the mandatory players’ meeting begins at 11am. For more information about the WPBA sanctioned, Gulf Coast Women’s Regional Billiards Tour, visit GulfCoastWomensTour.com. Follow us on Facebook @gulfcoasttour1 and Twitter @gulfcoasttour.

 

The WPBA (Women’s Professional Billiard Association) is the governing body of women’s professional billiards in the U.S. The Gulf Coast Women’s Regional Billiards Tour is a sanctioned, WPBA Regional Tour, part of the grass roots system that feeds the WPBA Pro Billiards Tour. Amateur and semi-professional, female players, who aspire to play women’s professional billiards, must qualify through this elite system in order to attain the sought-after title, WPBA Exempt Professional. Have you ever considered taking your game to the next level, looking for a different challenge? Are you tired of the same old week-in, week-out routines deterring the progress of your game? Is it your dream to play in a pro event, or turn pro? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it’s time to find the WPBA Regional Tour nearest you. Exclusively, WPBA Regional Tour Players gain access to WPBA Pro Event Qualifiers and earn valuable WPBA Regional Tour Points which count toward earning invitations to the annual WPBA Regional Tour Championship and WPBA Pro Events. Live your dream, support and become a part of, the longest-running, professional billiard organization in the U.S., the WPBA.

 

If you are interested in starting a WPBA Regional Tour in your area, or participating on a WPBA Regional Tour, please contact the WPBA Office at 1.855.FOR.WPBA or visit www.WPBA.com. 

Jennifer Yo came out on top amidst an impressive field of 46 semi-professional players to capture the Gulf Coast Women’s Regional Billiards Tour Spring 9-Ball Event, and the first championship title in her pool career. The Austin, Texas player faced off with Houston’s own Natalie Rocha in a fight to the bitter finish. Although Rocha bested Yo in the first set of the true double elimination final, 7-6, Yo came back to win the second set, 5-4. 

 

On February 11th, 2017, some of the most talented female pool players in Texas and Louisiana converged on Bogies West in Houston, Texas, to compete in the one-day, $500 added 9-ball event, vying for a place in the Gulf Coast Tour winners’ circle. Room owners David and Shannon Richardson, along with tour sponsors Cyclop Pool Balls www.facebook.com/CyclopPoolBalls, Ozone Billiards www.OzoneBilliards.com, APA of North Harris County www.facebook.com/apanorthharriscounty, and www.OutsvillBilliards.com,  facilitated another successful event for the women of the  Gulf Coast Tour, the second of 11 events scheduled for 2017. Growing by leaps and bounds, the WPBA sanctioned regional tour has already amassed a following of 67 player members this year, in addition to securing a new venue, CK Billiards, in Dallas, Texas. Last year the tour amassed 76 player members, the highest to date, and because this year’s numbers are already high, the tour anticipates breaking 100 player members before the end of 2017.  

 

A Gulf Coast Tour victory has eluded Jennifer Yo since 2014, when she finished second to Jennifer Kraber in her first Gulf Coast Event. Since then, Yo has been working on her game, and her 2017 Gulf Coast Tour season proves it. The first event of the year witnessed Yo losing a finals match to Gail Eaton, but at this event, second place was in the rear view mirror. Yo made her way to the final four winners’ side with wins over Amber Keithley, 7-2, Tangela Hunt, 7-1, Terri Resendez, 7-3, and Robyn Petrosino, 7-4, while Kim “Texas Heat” Pierce staked her claim, ousting Jennifer Dooley, 7-2, Julie Enzensperger, 7-2, Tiffany Mundie, 7-3, and Mercedes Vasquez, 7-5. Ricki Casper took down Tina Williams, 7-6, Veronica “Pistol” Perez, 7-4, Loretta Lindgren, 7-3, and Diana Cardona, 7-3, while seasoned veteran, Gail “Virginia Slim” Eaton, took out Cindy Tillman, 7-0, Gail Roles, 7-2, and newcomer Brittany Williams, 7-4. The final four was also taking shape on the one loss side. Williams took out Teresa Garland, 5-3, while Perez came back to win four straight matches, eliminating first-time player Audrey Arcelli, 5-1, Megan Hardin, 5-4, Monica DeTuncq, 5-2, and Diana Cardona, 5-1. The youngest player on tour, 14-year old Aryana Lynch, dusted off Lindgren, 5-2, and R. Petrosino, 5-2, while Natalie Rocha, who lost her second match to Erica Hanlon, 7-4, went on to defeat Liz Mitchel, 5-1, Terry Petrosino, 5-4, Vasquez, 5-2, and Lynch, 5-3. Back on the east side, Yo took care of Pierce, 7-5, and Eaton made quick work of Casper, 7-2. The hot seat match was set, and players fought to stay alive on the one loss side. Williams ended Perez’ run, 5-2, and eliminated Pierce, while Rocha bested Lynch, 5-3, then Casper, 5-4. The hot seat match witnessed Yo defeat Eaton in a tightly-knit race, 7-6. Back on the one loss side, with her head still above water, Rocha went on to eliminate Williams, 5-4, and Eaton, 5-2, tallying seven straight wins to meet Yo in the finals. There was no doubt about it, Rocha was gaining momentum with each win, and the first set of the finals was no different. Yo’s chances were few and far between, as Rocha kept pace, annihilating the hot seat winner, 7-1, for her eighth consecutive win. In the final set, Yo’s tenacity emerged, and in true champion form, she captured the second set in a hill-hill thriller, 5-4. Congratulations to Jennifer Yo on her first-ever win in her pool career!

 

 

Gulf Coast Tour welcomes brand new members Brittany Williams (Longview, TX), Audrey Arcelli (Round Rock), Kaleigh Reiland (Webster, TX), and Amber Watts (Quitman, TX). A special “congratulations” goes out to Veronica “Pistol” Perez who achieved her highest tournament finish to date, and newcomer Brittany Williams who participated in her very first event, and finished in fourth place!

 

The Gulf Coast Women’s Regional Billiards Tour is open to players of all ages and skill levels, however, the top 32 WPBA Exempt Professionals are not permitted to participate. The next Gulf Coast Tour 9-ball event will be held on March 18th, 2017, at Bogies Billiard, 3040 FM 1960 East, in Houston, Texas. This event will be played on 9’ tables with Cyclop TV Set Pool Balls. Free practice begins at 10am, and the mandatory players’ meeting begins at 11am. For more information about the WPBA sanctioned, Gulf Coast Women’s Regional Billiards Tour, visit GulfCoastWomensTour.com. Follow us on Facebook @gulfcoasttour1 and Twitter @gulfcoasttour.

The WPBA (Women’s Professional Billiard Association) is the governing body of women’s professional billiards in the U.S. The Gulf Coast Women’s Regional Billiards Tour is a sanctioned, WPBA Regional Tour, part of the grass roots system that feeds the WPBA Pro Billiards Tour. Amateur and semi-professional, female players, who aspire to play women’s professional billiards, must qualify through this elite system in order to attain the sought-after title, WPBA Exempt Professional. Have you ever considered taking your game to the next level, looking for a different challenge? Are you tired of the same old week-in, week-out routines deterring the progress of your game? Is it your dream to play in a pro event, or turn pro? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it’s time to find the WPBA Regional Tour nearest you. Exclusively, WPBA Regional Tour Players gain access to WPBA Pro Event Qualifiers and earn valuable WPBA Regional Tour Points which count toward earning invitations to the annual WPBA Regional Tour Championship and WPBA Pro Events. Live your dream, support and become a part of, the longest-running, professional billiard organization in the U.S., the WPBA.

 

If you are interested in starting a WPBA Regional Tour in your area, or participating on a WPBA Regional Tour, please contact the WPBA Office at 1.855.FOR.WPBA or visit www.WPBA.com. 

Gail Eaton came out firing at the Gulf Coast Women’s Regional Tour Texas Open Warm-Up ladies’ 9-ball event held at Skinny Bob’s Billiards in Round Rock, Texas. Eaton fought her way through a talented field of 29 women, overcoming local favorite Jennifer Kraber in the first and final set, 5-2, to capture her second, consecutive, Gulf Coast Tour tournament title. 

 

On August 28th, 2016, Skinny Bob’s Billiards www.skinnybobs.com, along with tour sponsors Delta-13 Rack www.delta-13.com, APA of North Harris County www.facebook.com/apanorthharriscounty, Cyclop Billiard Balls, and host hotel Candlewood Suites in Round Rock www.CandlewoodSuites.com facilitated another successful event for the ladies, who competed for over $1,000 in prize money, in a one-day competition. 

 

It was the sixth stop on this year’s WPBA sanctioned Gulf Coast Tour and the players came out in full force, including hometown talent Tam Trinh, Jennifer Kraber, Kim Sanders, Veronica “Pistol Perez” Perez, and Kim “Texas Heat” Pierce, along with San Antonio’s Gail Eaton, Lufkin’s Toni Esteves, numerous Houston contingents, and the newest and youngest member of the tour, 13-year old Ariana Lynch of San Antonio. The road to the winners’ side final four saw Eaton defeat Toni Esteves, Loretta Lindgren, 5-1, and Veronica Perez, 5-0. Mercedes Vasquez also made an impressive run for the final four winners’ side, ousting Tangela Hunt, Teresa Garland, and Liz Yorek, 5-4. Tam Trinh defeated Terri Resendes, 5-0, and Kim Pierce, 5-4, while Ricki Casper ousted Diana Cardona, 5-0, and Kimberly Brown, 5-1. Eaton went on to defeat Vasquez, 5-3, and Casper overcame Trinh, 5-2. On the one-loss side, Nicole McDaniel eliminated Teresa Garland, 4-1, Tiffany Mundie ended Veronica Perez, 4-2, and Kim Pierce halted a three-match-run by Brandi Humber. And then, there was Kraber. Struggling after a second round loss to Garland, 5-1, Kraber won three consecutive matches to meet Pierce. Down to the final eight players in the event, on the top of the one-loss side, it was Mundie over McDaniel, 4-2, while down below Kraber struck another blow, eliminating Pierce, 4-2. Trinh made quick work of Mundie, 4-1, and Kraber took down Vasquez, her fifth victim, 4-1. Back on the east side, Eaton narrowly escaped Casper for the hot seat win, 5-4. Kraber went on to defeat Trinh, 4-1, and Casper, 4-2, which marked an astounding seven, consecutive match wins, to meet Eaton in the final. The former WPBA Pro came out firing against the Austin contender, ending her impressive run in the first set, 5-2.  

 

In an effort to better accommodate the large number of players competing in the Texas Open Warm Up 9-Ball Event at Skinny Bob’s, beginning in 2017, the Gulf Coast event will be staged at “Skinny Bob's II”, a smoke-free pool room, adjoining the main room, which houses eight new Diamond bar tables. “This event has presented some challenges over the years, and I’m confident that utilizing this additional space will provide a smoother tournament experience for all of the players,” says Tour Director, Kim Newsome.  

 

WPBA Vice President and 2016 BCA Hall of Fame inductee, Belinda Calhoun, attended the event, in advance of participating in the 43rd Annual Texas Open. The Gulf Coast Tour would like to congratulate this decorated, professional player on her upcoming Hall of Fame induction, and thank her for close to 30 years of service in the industry. It is because of the efforts of self-less volunteers like Mrs. Calhoun, that the industry continues to move in the right direction. On that note, the Gulf Coast Tour welcomes its newest player members, Ariana Lynch, Kimberly Brown, Stephanie Reyes, Monica DeTuncq, Cindy Tillman, Jennifer Kraber, and Nicole McDaniel. 

 

The Gulf Coast Tour will host a $1,000 added 9-ball event and 2017 WPBA Masters Qualifier on November 12th-13th at Fat Racks Billiards and Sports Lounge in San Antonio, Texas. For more information visit www.gulfcoastwomenstour.com or contact Kim Newsome at 713.825.1411.

It was another fiery start for Houston’s Ricki Casper who took the 31-player field by storm at the third Gulf Coast Women’s Regional Tour 9-ball event of 2016. Casper constructed a wave of destruction, taking down formidable WPBA Player Kim “Texas Heat” Pierce in the final, and going undefeated to win her second tour event of the season.

 

The event was hosted by Ariana’s in Houston, Texas, and along with tour sponsors Delta-13 Rack www.delta-13.com, and the APA of North Harris County www.facebook.com/apanorthharriscounty, facilitated a very successful event. Ariana’s catered to 31 Gulf Coast Tour players, offering free play on all bar tables, and providing free food for the entire event.  The tour would like to thank Ariana’s owners, Minh and Bill Hammond, and staff, for their gracious hospitality and years of continued support!

 

On the battle field, 2015 Gulf Coast Tour Champion, Ricki Casper, fought her way through a distinguished field of talent, booking wins over Kasey Mikoljczyk, 7-0, Jennifer Dooley, 7-3, and Angie Payne. Teresa Garland made her way to the final four winners’ side, ousting D’Andrea McQuirter, 7-1, Tiffany Mundie, 7-3, and Theresa Gutierrez, 7-4. Gail Roles took down Lisa Pinkston, 7-3, Regine Delores, 7-3, and Yvonne Asher, 7-5. The final four winners’ side rounded out and the one-loss side took shape, as Theresa Gutierrez eliminated Loretta Lindgren, 4-3, Angie Payne ousted Tangela Hunt, 4-0, Tiffany Mundie overwhelmed Joyce Davis, 4-1, and Liz Mitchel overcame Yvonne Asher, 4-2.  Back on the east side, Pierce defeated Roles, and it was Casper over Garland, 5-4. Casper went on to defeat Pierce for the hot seat, 5-4. On west side, Garland ousted Mundie, and Roles eliminated Payne, 4-1. Garland ended Roles, 4-2, but fell to Pierce, 4-1. With that victory, Pierce earned another shot at Casper, and the title. In the finals, both players remained focused until the bitter end. At 4-4, Casper pulled ahead to secure her second tour victory of the year. The tour would like to offer special congratulations to Gail Roles and Tangela Hunt, who achieved their highest finishes to date in their billiards careers, and welcome its newest members, Joyce Davis and Lisa Pinkston. Newcomer Joyce Davis also made a spectacular debut, finishing in the money in her first event. The Gulf Coast Tour looks forward to seeing many more outstanding accomplishments from its players!

 

The Gulf Coast Women’s Regional Tour is open to players of all ages and skill levels, however, the top 32 WPBA Exempt Professionals are not permitted to participate. The next event will be the Gulf Coast’s “WPBA 40th Anniversary Event” held on Saturday, June 11th, 2016, at Bogies Billiards and Sports Bar, located at 3040 FM 1960 E., Houston, Texas, 77073. For more information about the Gulf Women’s Regional Tour, please visit www.GulfCoastWomensTour.com. “Follow” us on Twitter @gulfcoasttour and “Like” us on Facebook @gulfcoasttour1. 

 

The WPBA (Women’s Professional Billiard Association) is the governing body of women’s professional billiards in the U.S., and this year, celebrates its 40th anniversary. The Gulf Coast Tour is a sanctioned, WPBA Regional Tour, a part of the grass roots system that feeds the WPBA Pro Billiards Tour. Amateur and semi-professional, female players, who aspire to play women’s professional billiards, must qualify through this elite system in order to attain the sought-after title, WPBA Exempt Professional. Have you ever considered taking your game to the next level, looking for a different challenge? Are you tired of the same old week-in, week-out routines deterring the progress of your game? Is it your dream to play in a pro event, or turn pro? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it’s time to find the WPBA Regional Tour nearest you. Exclusively, WPBA Regional Tour Players gain access to WPBA Pro Event Qualifiers and earn valuable WPBA Regional Tour Points which count toward earning invitations to the prestigious WPBA Regional Tour Championship and WPBA Pro Events. Live your dream, support and become a part of, the longest-running, professional billiard organization in the U.S., the WPBA.

 

If you are interested in starting a WPBA Regional Tour in your area, or participating on a WPBA Regional Tour, please contact the WPBA Office at 1.855.FOR.WPBA or visit www.WPBA.com.