In the heart of Texas, specifically at Low’s Sound Lab in Houston, 21 women stood with laser focus, poised to take on the flippers and become pinball goddesses of the Space City. Welcome to the second installment of the “Space City Pinball: Belles and Chimes League at the LOWer Level,” an enchanting night of pinball where flair met skill.
When Time Stood Still at Cactus Canyon
In Round 1, the atmosphere reached peak intensity when the players huddled around Cactus Canyon (Remake LE) by Chicago Gaming. The game stretched on for an eye-popping 69 minutes. Imagine the determination and intense concentration that went into each flipper shot! Summer Ellington, a newcomer with an unranked IFPA status, astonished everyone by taking first place. Following her were Miette Dronet, Liz Nebeker, and Elizabeth Dronet, seasoned players who surely felt the heat of the newcomer’s zeal.
The Cream of the Crop
The end of the tournament heralded a new sisterhood of pinball champions:
- Dawn Hayes – IFPA rank 5250, yet her play defied numbers as she snagged the top spot.
- Emily Hoffman – From Katy, TX, she showcased why she’s attended 126 IFPA events with a stellar second-place finish.
- Gina Low – Also from Katy, TX, Gina’s experience in 146 IFPA events shined through as she took third place.
- Miette Dronet – Her lengthy IFPA history (213 events) paid off as she rounded out the top four.
Pinball Machine Majesty
Low’s Sound Lab was practically a museum of pinball history, featuring 19 exquisite machines, each with its unique allure. Here are some of the highlights:
- Diner by Williams: An old-school charm that still fascinates players to this day.
- Star Trek: The Next Generation by Williams: A voyage into space and strategic gameplay.
- Jurassic Park by Data East: This dinosaur-themed wonder tested reflexes as well as nerves.
- The Addams Family by Bally: The quirkiest family in pop culture got the pinball treatment it deserves.
- Fish Tales by Williams: A serene yet cunning machine where angling met pinball.
Mysterious Vibes
We wish we could reveal more about the atmosphere inside Low’s Sound Lab, but for now, it remains an enigma, with Space City Pinball withholding the venue details on MatchPlay. One thing is clear, however: the secretive aura only adds to the allure.
Lone Star Pinball Maestros
To give you an idea of where this tournament fits into the broader picture, here are the latest IFPA Texas Pinball Top 10 Standings:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jack Revnew | The Woodlands | 490 |
| 2 | Garrett Shahan | Denton | 442.72 |
| 3 | Phil Grimaldi | Houston | 338.48 |
| 4 | Wesley Johnson | College Station | 320.84 |
| 5 | Fred Revnew | The Woodlands | 255.09 |
| 6 | Lee Balusek | Conroe | 254.5 |
| 7 | Brian Krivonak | Corpus Christi | 246.12 |
| 8 | Collier Whitefield | San Antonio | 223.13 |
| 9 | Gilbert Herrera | San Antonio | 212.23 |
| 10 | Kevin Rodriguez | Denton | 210.55 |
It’s a wrap for now, but make no mistake: the women of the Belles and Chimes League at the LOWer Level are already aiming for the next high score. Until then, keep flipping and stay tuned for more updates from the incredible realm of pinball! 🌵🚀