Abbie Leiendecker wins Teen Masters National Championship

RUSTON – Future Louisiana Tech bowler Abbie Leiendecker collected a major title victory as the incoming freshman took home the Teen Masters National Championship in Allen Park, Michigan.

Leiendecker, younger sister of current LA Tech bowler Allie Leiendecker, ended a string of close calls in major tournaments without a victory, finishing out the tournament win with a 36-game pinfall of 7,657 and a high average of 206 among the girls division.

“Being able to watch Abbie for a week at Junior Gold and the Youth Open, I can say we are looking strong for this upcoming year,” said LA Tech Bowling head coach Matt Nantais. “Following the scores remotely from Teen Master’s, all I can say is Abbie dominated the field of female athletes. This event is different from all the others. You are only allowed to use one ball for the whole event. With different patterns it makes you throw quality shots and be very versatile.”

The right-hander from Wooster, Ohio lost her first two games of the last round, falling behind to Emma Siekierski of Davison, Michigan who came in second at 7,404 total pins (253 behind). Leiendecker quicky regained the lead with a 235-169 decision over 2022 champion Rachel More of Keokuk, Iowa, followed with wins of 201-191 over Hope Bunk of Billings, Montana and 233-181 over Meagan Kennedy of Brownsburg, Indiana.

That gave Leiendecker a 133-pin lead over Siekierski going into the final game, which was not close. She put the game away early, striking in seven of her first eight shots, ultimately winning 243-153.

“After being fourth, fifth, third, and second multiple times, it feels good to have one major win,” said Leiendecker who is touted with some of the best power and speed in the country. “I have been traveling for two-and-a-half weeks because of Junior Gold and the Youth Open. So being able to finally win, after doing all that traveling, is so rewarding.”

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