Elk Grove keeping pace in MSL
Kim Sander says her transition from Elk Grove frosh-soph bowling coach for the last four years to first-year head varsity coach this season has been an easy one.
"We've got a great group of coaches and a great group of girls," Sander said
On Monday night, the Grens stayed hot on the heels of Mid-Suburban League leaders Schaumburg and Prospect with a 9-0 victory over Hersey.
Elk Grove is 32-4 (points won/lost) - to 36-0 for the Saxons and 34-2 for the Knights.
"We've been living up to expectations," said Sander, whose team was led by Caerlina Williams with a 591 series and 206 high game. "Our goal now is to get all the girls bowling well at the same time and bowling consistently."
Schaumburg stayed undefeated by sweeping past Barrington, as Sunnie Phillips bowled a 674 (including a 269 in Game 2). Saxons senior Sara Kuczmarksi made a big contribution with 646 that included a 254.
"It feels great," Kuczmarski said. "This has been a lot of fun."
Kuczmarski traveled with the Saxons to Rockford last year when Schaumburg was the state runner-up, but she didn't figure in the scoring.
This year she's hoping to make a splash, and she chalks up her success to encouragement from her teammates.
"It's all about teamwork and positive reinforcement," Kuczmarski said.
The Fillies, in their debut season, have struggled - but they have had their moments as evidenced by Andrea Grzeslo's 279 against the Saxons.
"We bowled out of our minds," said Barrington coach Sam Raia, "and we still lost 9-0. They're (Schaumburg) a great team. I think they're going to be the state champs."
"It's been a lot of fun," said Barrington senior Mallori Oztekin. "It's competition, but it's friendly competition. We're always high-fiving the other team, and they're high-fiving us even if we missed something. It's a happy sport."
Conant (28-8) won a squeaker, 2,639 to 2,268 over Hoffman Estates (20-16).
Rolling Meadows (29-7) moved up in the standings with a 7-2 victory over Buffalo Grove.
"We've been steadily improving," said Karen Ellingsworth, Rolling Meadows coach and former bowler with the Women's Pro Tour.
"We've been working hard in practice," said Danielle Reeves, who led the Mustangs with a 624 series. "It helps that we have a great coach. She can coach any bowler, with any ball, at any lane."
"She's always there for us," added Meadows senior Amanda Micari.
Prospect (34-2) kept pace with a 9-0, 224 pin win over Palatine to claim the honorary Beverly Pin, a trophy the Knights and Pirates compete for each season. both teams practice at Beverly Lanes in Arlington Heights.
Senior Hannah Wrenn rolled the high game (226) for Prospect, while Ashley Delio (214) was tops for Palatine.
Wheeling (27-9) scored a straight-game victory over Fremd, as Jennifer Schmitt rolled the high series (598).
Mariah McVay (223 in Game 2) was best for Buffalo Grove, Brittney Mari (613 series) and Brianna Carroo (612) excelled for the Cougars, Fremd's Ashley Landowski shot a team-best 219 game, while Hoffman Estates' Liz Saffold rolled a 226.
Hersey junior Carina Balin did all she could for the Huskies with a 531 series (193 in Games 2 and 3).
"I didn't finish in the top 20 in conference last season," said Balin, "but I did very well at sectionals (at Hoffman Estates), and that gave me confidence. This year I want to finish in the top 20, and we'll see what happens from there."