Wille, Hawks lead the way
Mid-Suburban League competitors weren’t just challenging the lanes and each other Wednesday night.
They were also bowling for a cure.
In an event spearheaded by Hoffman Estates and senior Sarah Wille, the MSL hosted a “Strike Out Cervical Cancer” fundraiser at the next to last conference meet of the season at Arlington Lanes.
“I felt that was important to give back,” said Wille. “I’ve seen a lot of awareness initiatives in other sports over the years, but never one in our sport.”
Wille led the way for the first-place Hawks in their match against Elk Grove as well, rolling the best game of the night, a 255, in their win over Elk Grove.
Kayleigh Duff of the Grenadiers fired a 254 on a night that was highlighted by a record-setting performance from Sarah Tenyer of Barrington, whose 222/243/245/710 line was the best ever by a Fillie and the top series mark in conference this season by a wide margin.
Anna Haller’s 570 led Buffalo Grove to a win over Rolling Meadows, which got a 201 from Ariel Cantieri and a 199 by Fatima Gonzalez.
The senior classmates have been bright spots for the Mustangs all season.
“They’re both good bowlers and great competitors,” said Meadows coach Karen Ellingsworth. “Ariel’s going to be our number one this year on the badminton team.”
Gonzalez, who along with Cantieri ranks in the top 25 in MSL average this year, will attend Carthage College next fall.
“It’s scary to think this is my senior season,” said Gonzalez. “I only bowled one game as a freshman and here I am full-time on varsity.”
“This year has been a learning experience for me,” added the senior, who also plays soccer. “I’ve learned what it takes to perform at this level.”
Prospect stayed in second place in conference with a win over Palatine as Meg Mulcahy rolled a 223, while Gina Rowlett’s 656 three game mark helped Fremd edge Conant.
Emma Wrenn shot 226 as Hersey beat the Fillies 9-0, while Sarah Schwind’s 545 boosted Schaumburg to a 9-0 victory over Wheeling.
The Wildcats have struggled this season but have a bright future ahead behind sophomore Elizabeth Stavros, who’s already excelled this year with a series high of 573 and a top game of 214.
“Our goal is to get her to state,” said Wheeling senior Maryssa Peterson of Stavros, “and she has the talent to get there.”
Peterson has excelled in her own right in her final campaign, leading the Wildcats in average as the anchor bowler.
“This is my second year on varsity,” said the senior, “and we’ve basically got a brand new team this year — I’m the only returning starter. But I really like the energy on our team this season.”