The best women’s bocce players from throughout California converged Aug. 6 for a regional doubles tournament in San Rafael, and a Marin pair emerged on top. Julie Nunes of San Rafael and Jolene Kramer of San Anselmo, both representing the hosting Marin Bocce Federation, won the United States Bocce Federation’s women’s doubles competition by compiling a 6-0 record.
Nunes and Kramer defended their 2021 title at the event, held at the Albert Park facility. They defeated reigning national champion Emi Fuji of Stockton and Martha Crosley of Martinez in the final, 12-9. There were 16 teams entered with players from bocce clubs in Martinez, Stockton, Antioch, Los Gatos, Felton, Lompoc, Grass Valley, Santa Barbara, and others.
Nunes, a bocce player for 17 years, is a retired nurse and risk management director. Kramer, a 10-year player, is a chemical engineer and business owner who has won two national bocce championships. In June, she won a bronze medal at the U.S. Bocce Federation’s precision shooting championships.
Both women are former board presidents at Marin Bocce Federation, which is celebrating its 27th year. Bocce, rooted in Italy, is similar in concept to lawn bowling, petanque, and shuffleboard and is one the world’s oldest lawn or yard games. Marin Bocce Federation, part of the City of San Rafael Parks and Recreation Department, is the largest public club of its kind on the West Coast with the most league players. About 1,600 people play each week on the 10-court facility at 550 B Street, participating on more than 150 teams. Learn more at marinbocce.org.
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