Excerpts of a story by Mahlon Steepleton of bowl.com
May 3, 2025
Samantha Kilian of Polk City, Iowa, took the lead in Ruby Singles at the 2025 United States Bowling Congress Women’s Championships in Las Vegas on Thursday.
Kilian dominated during her singles set to take a commanding lead over the rest of the field with a series of 673.
Kilian started her set with 227, added 216 in Game 2 and capped off the set with 230.
“To me, it’s a shock – I wasn’t expecting to bowl that well,” Kilian said. “I did not get to bowl very much this year, so to come out today and just stay in control and bowl well was a nice accomplishment.”
This is Kilian’s second year of making an appearance at the Women’s Championships. She debuted last year in Reno, Nevada, and has enjoyed the experience in Las Vegas.
She has really enjoyed being able to bowl with a group of ladies that bring smiles and laughs, while also meeting new people.
“I have had a really great time here at South Point so far,” Kilian said. “It’s nice getting to meet people and know that we’re all here for the same thing – to have a fun time.”
Kilian began bowling at a young age. She bowled all the way through high school and made the jump to collegiate bowling at the University of Central Missouri.
Her performance this week at the Bowling Plaza also placed her third in Ruby All-Events with 1,780. She had 604 in doubles and 503 in team.
