By TODD REED
News Leader Sports Editor
www.tnl-news.com
For the third time in Minerva's history, the Lady Lions will be competing as a team at the State Bowling Championships.
The girls qualified by finishing third out of 33 teams at last weekend's Northeast District Tournament.
Minerva knocked down 3,815 pins, finishing 76 pins behind district champion GlenOak. Boardman was second with a score of 3,877. Also moving on to state are Hubbard (3,778) and Hudson (3,771).
Brittany Pellerin led Minerva with games of 191-222-186 for a 599 series.
"If they gave out a team MVP trophy, Brittany's name would be all over it," commented Head Coach Tim Toussant. "We changed her delivery and she's really come on the last couple of weeks. She had an unbelievable performance on Sunday. Brittany was steady and strong all day long."
Katlin Thayer had 159-190-223 for a 572.
"Katlin struggled a bit in her first two games, but she got lined up for the third game and boosted the team with that big score," noted Coach Toussant.
Karlee Eick had 220-172-179 for a 571.
"Karlee started out fast with a 220," stated Coach Toussant. "She always keeps a positive attitude and that helps her and her teammates."
Kara Thomas had 162-167-187 for a 516.
"Kara missed a few spares, but she was steady as usual," commented Coach Toussant. "She's been our steadiest bowler all season long."
Courtney Charnetzky-McKinney had 146-157-161 for a 464.
"Courtney has improved her spare shooting and has steadily improved over the last half of the season."
The Lady Lions had baker-game scores of 195-169-166-234-170-159.
Minerva sat third after the first three individual games, and cemented a trip to state with a 234 in the fourth baker game.
"Our baker games were strong as usual," noted Coach Toussant. "It was very important to come out strong and we did with a 195. We put up a couple more nice scores, then shot the 234 in the fourth game. I got a whole lot more comfortable after that 234.
"This was a total team effort. It was really fun to watch. The whole day was incredible. We had a great fan base. We had people all over the place and they were loud. The girls really fed off the crowd and each other.
"The girls are a really fun group and have made this season a lot of fun for me."
The Lady Lions previously competed at the state championships in 2005 and 2006.
The 2010 Girls State Bowling Championships will be held at Shawnee Lanes in Chillicothe this Saturday, March 6, at 11 a.m.
Boys finish 24th
Ryan Stuckey led the Lions with games of 167-202-195 for a 564 series.
Taylor Wright had 226-174-148 for a 548, Luke Ramey had 166-196-145 for a 507, Nick Embrogno had 196-210, Ryan Smith had 174-166, Jake Wilson had a 192, and Kyle Lautzenheiser had a 142.
The boys put together six strong baker games to move up eight spots in the standings. Their scores were 203-225-187-157-226-200.
Qualifying teams included Kent Roosevelt with 4,330, Harding with 4,314, Struthers with 4,313, Green with 4,286, North Ridgeville with 4,285 and Austintown Fitch with 4,195. Thirty-nine teams participated at districts.
treed@the-review.com
www.tnl-news.com
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