Brugioni leads way as Grant rolls to NSC Prairie title
Grant's girls bowling team has been trying for a long time to win some hardware.
The Bulldogs finally did Wednesday, winning their first North Suburban Conference Prairie Division championship.
Grant clinched by taking the first game against host Lakes and went on to post a sweep, 2510-2103 and 9-0 in match play points at Antioch Lanes.
It marks the first team title for Grant since it won a district championship in 1979.
"It's hard to put it into words," said Grant coach Beth Miller, who was a Grant bowler herself from 1984 to 1988. "You teach and the girls learn from you. They're the ones that set out to do this and it's amazing to see."
Grant (34-2) lost one game to Vernon Hills but won every other one in division play.
"They're a very determined group and they put the time in on the lanes," Miller said of her bowlers. "Someone may shoot low one game, but the others have a way of picking each other up."
Grant sophomore Briana Brugioni led the way with a series high of 587, rolling games of 183, 219 and 185. Senior Amy SaLee tossed a 562 with a high game of 200.
"I've been bowling much better this year," said Brugioni, who's averaging 195. Earlier this season she rolled a persona-best 290 against Antioch and a 725 series against North Chicago.
"My mechanics were all off last year," Brugioni added. "I just practiced a lot in my junior league and worked with my dad (Steve). I guess it's a maturing process and a matter of learning the game."
Grant's other bowlers who contributed Wednesday were Jami Crouch (486), Kayleigh Wells (451) and Lydia Wells (424).
Elysia Whipple led Lakes with a 461 series and a 192 game, while teammate Jenna Raben had a team-high 198 and 456 series.
"I believe the girls have stepped up their performances," Lakes coach Melissa Cross said. "We're working on our (ball) location. You have to respect it. We've been able to have a lot of close games this year."
Stevenson won the NSC Lake title. The North Suburban Conference meet will take place Friday, Jan. 25 at Lakeside Lanes in Mundelein.