The lanes for the Open will be set up at midfield in the stadium during the International Bowl Expo, which typically draws more than 8,000 bowlers.

Bunting, who is a member of UCF's Striking Knights bowling club and a recent grad, led the qualifying field averaging 227 for eight games including a 211 in the finale.

"I had a great experience and am looking forward to representing Bowland Port Charlotte in the U.S. Women's Open," said Bunting, who is also competing in the United States Bowling Congress Intercollegiate Singles Championships next week, a tournament she took home the MVP award at last season. So tough fields like the one she will face in Texas are something that Bunting has dealt with before.

"I always tell myself that it doesn't matter what anyone else does, I have to stay in my own game and bowl my best every shot."

Cesare earned the runner-up spot and a ticket to Texas rolling a 279 in her eighth and final game where she opened with two spares and closed strong with 10 straight strikes.

"I didn't bowl too well the first couple games, but then found my rhythm," said Cesare, who has been bowling 10 years. "Going into the last game tied for second was probably the most nerve-racking. now I'm just looking forward to Texas and bowling against some of the best. This whole experience is just unbelievable."

Rob Vangaasbeck recently rolled an 855 series that started with a 300 followed by a 299, and 256 at Bowland Port Charlotte. ... Don't forget this summer if you are looking to escape the heat and do it on the cheap every house in the area offers some form of free bowling for kids over the next few months. At Bowland Port Charlotte kids get two free games a day from May 15 to Aug. 31. all three AMF centers (Bradenton, Sarasota Gulf Gate and Venice) also offer two free games a day for kids under 16. You just have to go online to register and they will email you the coupons weekly.

–Email Jason Swancey at

<a href="http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20110514/COLUMNIST/110519686/2151/OPINION?Title=Women-s-Open-qualifiers-headed-to-Texastag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20110514/COLUMNIST/110519686/2151/OPINION?Title=Women-s-Open-qualifiers-headed-to-TexasSat, 14 May 2011 21:16:46 GMT 00:00">Women's Open qualifiers headed to Texas