Holly Gilbert has been rumored to be the "lady to notice," at this year's U.S. Amateur Championship as she tries to shoot her way into the Sweet 16.

After hustling her husband over a year ago, Holly was instantly turned to the game that over 4 million pool enthusiasts participate in each year. She has traveled all the way from Louisville, Colo., to try and beat out some of the best in amateur pool.

Practicing day and night, Gilbert hasn't stopped playing pool since she arrived in the bright lights of Vegas. She contends, "One of the best parts of coming out here is to learn how not to get distracted by your game and to keep focused on your level of play. You just have to not think about what everyone else is doing and concentrate on your own strategies."

Although she has been playing pool for 7 years, this is her first attempt at the U.S. Amateur. During her second round however, she lost 7-6 in a tight match to Michael Alexandria.

Nonetheless, keeping in good APA spirits, Gilbert said, "I should have won, but coming out here and seeing my first tournament was exciting. Not everyone gets to make it here and I'll definitely be back for the U.S. Amateur Championship in 2000!"