First NLCC title goes to Grayslake North

Grayslake North's girls bowling team picked up top honors in the inaugural Northern Lake County Conference tournament on Friday.

Grant had taken the regular-season title in a close four-team race.

But the Knights knocked down the top spot in the tournament with 5,384 pins over six games. Wauconda was second (5,111) and Grant was right behind for third (4,981) in the eight-team field at Lakes Bowl in Round Lake.

"We were a little slow at the start and finished out strong," Grayslake North coach Laura Bertermann said. "For next week (regionals), we need to pick things up and keep working at it."

Grayslake North led after the first three games with 792, 848 and 935 for 2,575. Then the Knights tossed games of 902, 973, 934 for 2,809.

Payton Bertermann paced Grayslake North with 1,191, followed by Gaby Silva (1,101), Emily Mack (1,070), Taylor Bell (996), Melissa Barnett (896, 5 games) and Shania Lesniewicz (136).

Emily Voight of Lake was the individual tournament champion after rolling 1,231. The sophomore started out strong with a 659, which included games of 228, 225 and 206. Then she shot games of 219, 170 and 183 for a 572.

"It feels good to win," Voight said. "The first three games got me going. It pushed me and I thought the conditions were very good. I now have the confidence to bowl here and it should help me for the regionals (next Saturday, again at Lakes Bowl)."

Samantha Knab of Antioch was the individual runner-up with a 1,201, which included a high game of 245.