Warren lives up to its word with state berth

Warren's girls bowling team placed 12th in the state last year and had an opportunity to secure a return trip to state Saturday.

A confident group, they had T-shirts made saying "state bound."

The Blue Devils didn't jinx themselves, as they were one of four teams to advance to Cherry Bowl in Rockford next Friday.

"It was originally coach KC Lange's idea," senior Micayla Powers said. "Maggie Faje and I were involved with it. We have something special with this team that I can't explain. This team is my heart and soul. They're my family."

Machesney Park Harlem captured the Belvidere sectional title in Loves Park with 6,401 pins. Warren qualified in the second spot with a 5,839 total, while Rockford Guilford (5,780) and Lake Zurich (5,545) also advanced at Forest Hills Lanes.

Warren made the second day at state last year and have the capability of going even higher next weekend.

"We have two goals: make day two and make some noise," Lange said. "Over the last few years, they've done a good job pulling together. They've had some tough conversations about where they are and where they need to be. Last year was about making spares. This year it's more about actually rolling the ball."

Warren was near the top of the scoreboard all day. The Blue Devils opened with a 2,999 and followed up with a 1,097 in game two. They finished with three straight games in the 900s.

Faje led the Blue Devils with a 1,210 series over the six games and had a high game of 256. Warren's other scorers were Haley Gregerson (1,190), Kayla Rossi (1,179), Victoria Dizon (1,164) and Powers (1,096). Faje, Gregerson, Rossi, Dizon and Powers all rolled at state last year.

Lake Zurich qualified for state for the first time since 2013, making it by just 10 pins over Buffalo Grove. The Bears rolled a 1,016 in game five, going from the eighth spot to fourth place.

"The girls really wanted it and had no clue what they did after that game," Lake Zurich coach Mel Fox said. "We didn't say anything until after game six. This has been our goal all year, and this is the same team we had last year."

Amanda Tarlos led the Bears with a 1,260. She was followed by Dana Nelson (1,084), Becky Mnichowicz (1,061), Laure O'Hara (897), Allison O'Hara (663) and Kristie Skoby (580).

Buffalo Grove made a big push trying to get into the top four in the afternoon. The Bison moved into the fourth spot at one point after a 1,007.

"We had to stick to our game and keep fighting," Buffalo Grove coach Jean Tripam said. "They put up some big numbers and gave themselves a chance to be there and do it. I can't be more proud of their effort."

The Bison had last year's state champion Jessica Soskich qualify individually with a 1,251.

Also advancing were Barrington's Sarah Tenyer (1,238), Grayslake North's Gaby Silva (1,248), Rockton Hononegah's Jordan Davenport (1,232) and Lakes' Emily Voight (1,262), who became the first bowler to reach state for her school.

"It was very nerve-wracking," said Voight, who finished with a 229 and 234. "I had no idea if I was going to do it. I didn't know where I was standing. Making it state is so exciting. It just builds your self-esteem."