By: Brad Hutzelman
Henderson, Nevada- Latvia
Diana Zavjalova, a senior at Webber International University in Babson Park, Florida, became the first foreign player in more than 20 years to win the United States Bowling Congress Queens Tournament. Zavjalova defeated USBC Hall of Famer Leanne Hulsenberg 190-160 in the championship match at Sunset Station's Strike Zone Bowling Center.
Zavjalova secured the title in her first Queen's appearance becoming the first #1 seed to win the title in four years. The finals of the tournament was shown on ESPN 2 on Sunday afternoon. The 22-year old right hander has been successful under the television lights before, helping Webber International to the women's title at the 2012 USBC Intercollegiate Team Championships.
Zavjalova trains with her WIU team-mates at the Kegel Training Center in Lake Wales. Upon her return to Kegel, after she had won the championship, she was greeted with a surprise victory party in her honor. She was greeted by her team-mates, the Webber men's team, Kegel employees, and friends when she entered.