It’s called chemistry and it’s one of those often-talked-about intangibles in sports.
Some feel it’s the reason teams and individuals play well. Simply put, if players are comfortable with their teammates, it stands to reason that they’ll perform above standards.
Whatever the reason, Nick Delladio is enjoying his best-ever bowling season in league play with an explosive ball that has been ringing up waves of strikes. He ranks among the top bowlers on his “Guys and Dolls” League with a 181 average. Futhermore, his team has posted a powerful 11-1 record for the season’s second half at AMF Woodlake Lanes in Woodland Hills.
The Chatsworth resident makes no secret of the fact that he’s perfectly comfortable in his first year with “Beer Frame” teammates John Dela Rionda, Carol Tucker and Joe Curry.
“I’m having a great time,” Delladio said. “I honestly don’t think I could bowl with another team. They’re fun to be with.”
Delladio, 25, underlined that point with a personal-best series two weeks ago. He blistered a 616 series, putting together three 200-plus games for the first time.
Delladio has been bowling for six years, the last three in league play. And he makes it clear that not every year has gone as well as this one.
“It’s been a roller-coaster,” said Delladio, who blasted a 264 two years ago. “I go up and down some seasons.”
So far this year, it’s all up.
On Tuesday night, Delladio lived up to expectations with a 172-213-194 series, averaging 193, or 12 pins above his average. His second game was marked by five straight strikes and a run of eight marks (strikes or spares) to open the game. Delladio was deadly with his first ball, posting six strikes in the first game, six more in the second and five in the third.
“I’m trying to bowl consistent 200s right now,” said Delladio about his goals. “If I could get to a 700 series, it would be amazing.”
If Delladio achieves a 700, he wouldn’t be the first member of his team to accomplish the feat. Curry, who averages a powerful 194, has surpassed 700 twice.
Make no mistake about it: Dela Rionda, Tucker and Curry appreciate Delladio’s marksmanship. And they appreciate the chemistry boost Delladio has provided.
“I feel so lucky to have him on our team,” Tucker said. “We have a lot of fun. He’s really a good guy.”
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