By Andrew Moser
Leader Staff Writer
Oxford’s varsity boys bowling team took a step in the right direction for their chase for the Oakland Activities Association Red Division bowling titles as they defeated Troy Athens 17-13 on Jan. 30.
According to Coach J.R. Lafnear, the boys came out sluggish against the Red Hawks.
When the baker games concluded, Oxford trailed 10-0 after losing 172-170 in baker game one and 169-158 in game two.
The comeback began In game one of head-to-head play when Mitch Guzanek, Kyle Woody and Brandon Hurlburt led Oxford to a 858-821 win.
In game two, Woody (196), Guzanek (223), Michael Johnson (201) and Hurlburt (223) won four of the five matches to complete Oxford’s comeback win.
With the win, Oxford moved to 4-2 on the season.
Lafnear noted the boys had to beat Clarkston on Feb. 18 and Lake Orion on Feb. 16 in order to secure their first OAA league title.
Meanwhile, the varsity girls overcame a slow start to their match against Troy Athens and pounded the Red Hawks 22-8.
The girls lost game one 156-120, but rebounded in game two and won 149-116.
However, they lost totals by three pins and found themselves trailing 6-4 into head-to-head play.
Co-captains Colleen Walters (180) and Heather Lafnear (224) led Oxford to a 799-601 victory. Also securing victories for Oxford were Alex Logan (142) and Alisa Atyeo (142).
Oxford closed out Troy Athens in game two with wins from Logan (167), Alyssa Hurlburt (166), Walters (234) and Lafnear (209).
Final score of game two was 937-738.
The girls moved to 4 1/2 and 1 1/2 with the win.
Unfortunately, the girls lost their chance to be league champions when Lake Orion defeated Clarkston and wrapped up the league title.
However, Lafnear was pleased with how well his teams responded.
‘Both teams came out slow, but rose to the challenge and pulled out victories,? he said. ‘I like how we reacted and responded to the pressure.?