Tnl-News.com - Lady Lions place sixth at State Bowling Championships

Photo By Todd ReedThe 2009-10 Minerva Lady Lions became the first bowling team in the school's history to reach the championship finals, finishing sixth in the state.

Photo By Todd ReedKarlee Eick was on top of her game at the State Bowling Championships, rolling games of 201-224-215 for a 640 series.

By TODD REED

News Leader Sports Editor

www.tnl-news.com

It was quite a day at Shawnee Lanes for the Minerva girls bowling team.

Making its third trip to the state championships, the Lady Lions placed sixth overall, its highest finish in the school's history.

Karlee Eick earned All-Ohio second-team honors. Her 640 series was the seventh best on the day.

"This was a wonderful experience for the girls and coaches," stated Head Coach Tim Toussant. "They all got an education down here. The competition was very good. We did everything that we could do to make a good impression. They are all very proud of themselves, and so am I."

Minerva opened up the tournament with a solid 884. They followed that with a 971-892 for a three-game score of 2,747, good enough for sixth heading into the bakers.

"That 971 really took the edge off," noted Coach Toussant. "That game helped us gain momentum and confidence. I had a good idea we were right where we wanted to be. Our third game kept us right there and our first two bakers were fine. The last baker we didn't catch any breaks and we struggled a bit.

With the top eight teams moving on to the bracket finals, the Lady Lions had baker games of 172-191-143 to finish sixth overall with 3,253 pins.

"It was one of my better lunches, knowing we had qualified for the finals," commented Coach Toussant.

Eick led Minerva into the bracket finals with three big games: 201-224-215.

"Karlee was solid, from her first shot to her last," stated Coach Toussant. "She caught some good breaks whenever she didn't throw the ball the way she wanted to. Her spare shooting was great. Her performance made for a nice day. Second-team All-Ohio is a great accomplishment."

Freshman Michaela Wilson had scores of 138-213-198 for a 549.

"She really stepped up her game today," noted Coach Toussant. "At sectionals, districts and state, somebody different has stepped up their game. Today it was Michaela's turn.

"She opened with a 138 and I had my doubts, but we told her to calm down and throw the ball better. She came back and threw two great games. It was a career day for her and a lifetime experience."

Katlin Thayer, a junior, put together games of 193-181-171 for a 545.

"Katlin never got into a good groove, but she hung in there and was able to post a solid series thanks to her spare shooting," stated Coach Toussant. "She gave us a nice effort all day long, as did all the girls."

Junior Brittney Pellerin continued her recent strong showing on the lanes, rolling 175-171-178 for a 524.

"It was another solid performance from Brittney," commented Coach Toussant. "Here's a girl who averaged 152 during the regular season, but she really stepped it up throughout our tournaments. She has become a major factor for us."

Freshman Kara Thomas had games of 177-182-130 for a 489.

"Kara was unable to string good shots together," noted Coach Toussant. "But she gained a lot of valuable experience as a freshman."

As the sixth seed, Minerva went up against third-seeded Hubbard in the first round of the championship bracket.

Hubbard won the first three baker games to win the best-of-five matchup. The first two bakers were close, with Hubbard winning 177-158 and 204-182. The Lady Lions ran out of gas in the final baker, getting beat 221-122.

"We didn't bowl bad in the first two bakers and we had a chance to win them both," noted Coach Toussant. "It was a long day and the girls were a bit tired. Trailing 2-0, we kind of lost it in the third baker."

Boardman took home the state title. They were followed by Westerville Central, Hubbard, Seton, Beavercreek, Minerva, Coldwater and Hudson.

Failing to make the championship bracket were Centerville, Mother of Mercy, Troy, Napoleon, Sidney, GlenOak, Cardington-Lincoln and Maysville.

The future looks bright for the Lady Lions, as their top five bowlers at state will all be back next season.

"The girls bowled as a team, looked like a team, and acted like a team," stated Coach Toussant. "And that is why we were able to make it to state. All season long, when one girl struggled during a match, another girl stepped up her game. I look forward to next year with these girls."