A perfect August evening greeted the 14 participants of the Third Annual Jackie Uszacki Pinochle Tournament, hosted by Sue and Dennis Rak at Double A Vineyards on Christy Road in Fredonia. Participants hailed from Orchard Park, Cassadaga, Fredonia and Dunkirk, as the seven teams vied for the coveted “Jacqueline Cup.”

The evening began with dinner consisting of a Taco Bar and beverages. Lynn Herdzik provided catering for the event, serving delectables and homemade delights that were pleasing to the palate. As well as hosting the event, Sue Uszacki-Rak provided dessert cookies, and Bonnie Kawski also made cookies for the group.

Play began at 5:30 p.m. Defending champs, John and Bonnie Kawski, were given a bye and waited for the first round winners to emerge.

In the initial round, the team of Bob Oyer and Bob Habich defeated the seasoned team of Pauline Newman and Connie Glasier in four games. The team of Alan Uszacki and Ron Azeez defeated the namesake team of Jackie Uszacki and Don Wuerstle to move to the second round. Alan Uszacki and Ron Azeez reluctantly withdrew from round two and conceded to Bonnie and John Kawski.

At the third table, the team of MaryAnn Oyer and Adolph Herdzik vied against Winston and Lori Woodard. The Woodards emerged victorious after five games of heated play and moved on to the final championship round.

The Kawski team defeated the “Bobs” Oyer and Habich, and once again moved on to the championship round vs. the Woodards.

In the championship round, the Woodards won the first game, while the Kawskis made a comeback and won the second game. The cream came to the top in the decisive game three as the wily veterans Bonnie and John put their opponents in the hole and kept them there, winning out handily. Team Kawski reigned supreme for the second consecutive time.