The United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships is all about having a good time while competing on the biggest stage in women's bowling, and Alyce Hansen of Port Ludlow threw quite a party last week at the South Point Bowling Plaza in Las Vegas.

Hansen kicked off the festivities Tuesday, May 3 by joining the tournament's 50-Year Club and continued the party May 4 as she celebrated her 92nd birthday.

The right-hander began her USBC Women's Championships career at the 1965 in Portland, Oregon, and has made it back to the tournament each year since 1972. Her travels with the event have taken her to 35 cities and 24 states, according to a press release.

Hansen was presented with a plaque, chevron and pendant to commemorate her achievement. She was greeted by a standing ovation from her fellow competitors in Las Vegas and wished for them to one day share in the same experience.

"I'd just like to say that I hope you all make 50 years, so you can have as much fun as I've had," said Hansen as she addressed the bowlers and spectators at the Bowling Plaza during her award presentation.

Hansen admitted to not being familiar with the event until it made its way to the Pacific Northwest in 1965, but she began the early stages of her journey to five decades on the lanes in style.

"I didn't know Nationals existed until it went to Portland, so I was a late bloomer," Hansen said. "After Portland, we went to New Orleans and just kept going after that. For several years, our bowling center would charter a plane, and, for a price, you could go to where the tournament was. The price would cover entry fee, airfare and hotel."

Hansen has enjoyed the opportunity to travel and leaves some extra time in each of the host cities to explore what the community has to offer.

One of her favorite destinations throughout the years came in 1989, when the tournament made its way to Bismarck, North Dakota.

"I think Bismarck has been the most hospitable city we have been to," Hansen said. "I think someone told them they were too small to do it. They also had a deal where you could go to the national parks. I got to go with a team from New York, and I loved it. It's a nice area."

The next goal for Hansen is to help her teammate, Lynda LaVigne of Port Hadlock, Washington, reach her next milestone appearance.

"Well, we have to get Lynda to 30 next year," Hansen said. "I made mine, so now we got to work on her."

In her 50th appearance, Hansen rolled sets of 355 in team, 340 in doubles and 327 in singles for a 1,022 all-events total.

The USBC, founded in 1895, serves as the national governing body of bowling as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee.