In just their second year as an official varsity sport, the Lake Orion High School girls bowling squad is on their way to the state finals.
‘We set ourselves a lofty goal and they did an awesome job,? Coach Kevin Crowther said.
The team placed third in Region 3, qualifying them for one of 18 spots at the state finals, to be held this weekend at Sunnybrook Lanes in Sterling Heights.
Lake Orion was led by Kelli Skarritt, who qualified as an individual for the second year in a row. Her 189.7 average qualified her fifth at the regional.
Skarritt just missed out on qualifying for the final round at states last year and Crowther said it was her goal ‘to get back there.?
The boys, meanwhile, placed eighth in the region against some tough competition.
‘It was the best performance from the guys all season,? Crowther noted.
A pair of sophomores led the way for LO, as Jake Suma and Blake Stephen rolled high games of 269 and 268, respectively.
In addition to the girls? success at the varsity level, Lake Orion’s junior varsity squad was crowned state champions.
‘They ended up qualifying in 10th place and then won the whole thing,? Crowther said. ‘They beat some really good teams, so it was a nice surprise.?