The Oxford varsity bowling girls made it two regional championships in three years following an impressive performance on Saturday, Feb. 25.
Squaring off against the likes of Anchor Bay, Macomb Dakota, L’anse Creuse, Sterling Heights Stevenson and Chippewa Valley, the girls came out firing as they rattled off a six baker game total of 1025, placing them third behind Macomb Dakota and Anchor Bay.
In the opening game of team play, the Wildcats shot a tournament high 918 game, pulling them into second placing behind Macomb Dakota.
Senior Heather Lafnear led the Wildcats with a 214, followed by senior Colleen Walters with a 208. Freshmen Elisa Ateyo had a 180.
Lafnear’s 220, Walters 211 and freshmen Alyssa Hurlburt’s 206 in game two powered the Wildcats to a total of 883 and into first place.
Regionals wouldn’t be decided until the 10th frame of game three. After rolling a 826, the Wildcats regional championship hopes were pending on Anchor Bay’s anchor bowling rolling three strikes in the 10th frame.
After rolling a strike in her first throw, she missed the strike on the second, giving the Wildcats their second regional championship.
‘Today was just a blast to be a part of,? varsity head coach J.R. Lafnear said. ‘The girls were having fun and bowling as a team. Every member of the team had a part of the championship today. The three seniors on the team kept everyone relaxed and focused.?
Meanwhile, the boys qualified in second place following their six baker games total of 1141.
However, it wasn’t meant to be as they bowled a 846 in game one and fell to seventh. According to JR Lafnear, the boys bowled better in games two and three, but could not quite catch up.
Sophomore Brandon Hurlburt rolled a 204 and 213 in the final two games, while sophomore Sean McKinney rolled a 224. Freshmen Drew Pappas shot a 209.
‘There were some real strong teams and strong bowlers here,? Lafnear said. ‘Our team did well for as young as they are. I like this group of kids and we’ll be better because of what we have learned today.?
‘We moved up five or six spots from last year, so I believe we’re moving in the right direction,? Lafnear added.
Heather Lafnear also qualified for the state singles tournament after finishing in second during individual regionals on Sunday, Feb. 26.
She averaged a 195 over six games and would have won regionals if it wasn’t for a Sterling Heights Stevenson bowler rolling a 269 in the final game to pass Lafnear.