Girls bowling: Maine West's Conneely advances; Hoffman, Hersey and Schaumburg qualify
Maine West bowler Mary Conneely knew that she was close to claiming an individual advancement to the state finals at Saturday's Fremd sectional tournament.
But when she rolled a 169 in her final game — below par for her standards — she wasn't so sure.
“You should have seen the look on my face at that moment,” Conneely said. “I thought I blew it. There were tears for sure.”
Then the qualifications were announced, and the senior's apprehension turned into smiles and tears of joy.
Conneely made it, earning one of the five individual qualifying spots to move on to the Cherry Bowl in Rockford this weekend to compete in the state championship.
Hoffman Estates won the team title with a 5,723 pinfall to make the trip to Rockford while Hersey (second place with a 5,628 score) and Schaumburg (fourth with a 5,496) also advanced.
It's the third consecutive year that the Hawks, Huskies and Saxons will represent the Mid-Suburban League at state.
“I'm so excited right now, I have no words,” said Hoffman sophomore Alexis Orwat, who finished fifth overall at Arlington Lanes with a 1,214 six-game series (222 high game).
“We're a more experienced team this year,” the sophomore added, “And having been to state last season, I know what to expect.”
Arie Upshaw of Prospect continued her stellar late-season success.
The senior excelled at the MSL championships two weeks ago with the best series of the day (726) and advanced out of regionals with the help of a 269 game. On Saturday at Arlington, she finished second individually with a 1,277 series, just 3 pins behind winner Lauren Gawlinski of Resurrection.
Upshaw's games of 238 and 237 helped her punch her ticket to state.
“I couldn't have done this without the support of my teammates,” Upshaw said. “They had my back and gave me the confidence I needed to come back (in the latter part of the year.)”
“I thought I had a shot today. I was at my home alley so I just had to play the game I love to the best of my ability and bowl as well as I could.”
Victoria Odarczenko of Maine South earned her second consecutive state trip.
The senior was third overall and boasted a 257 game 2, the second-best game of the day for any bowler.
Caroline Stiefbold (1,222, 227 high game, fourth overall), Emma Wrenn (1,210, 216) and Susan Ferris (1,145, 202) helped boost Hersey.
“I'm very excited and proud of this team,” said Ferris, a multi-sport athlete who also competes in tennis and badminton. “Everyone stepped up today and it's going to be a fun experience at state.”
“We came in today looking to pick up our spares and stay positive,” Stiefbold added. “We lost some great seniors from last year's team, but we all picked up our game this season.”
Sophomores Gina Lenoci (games of 214 and 209) and Kylie Frick (228), along with senior Sunny Bobnick (225) helped led the Saxons' charge to the Cherry Bowl.
It is the fifth consecutive year Schaumburg has qualified.
“We really weren't sure how well we were going to do this year,” Bobnick said. “We lost two members from last year's team, so we all knew we had to come out and bowl our very best.”
“This is so amazing,” said Frick, who was the state tournament individual leader last year after one day was in the books. “We got a little down on ourselves today but this (qualification) is a reward for all the hard work we've put in all season. State is an amazing place and I can't wait to get back there.”
Junior Allura Magsino made a big contribution to Hoffman's winning effort by shooting games of 220 and 214.
Conneely excelled especially in the morning session when she rolled a 244 in her very first game.
She missed out last year in sectionals last year by just 30 pins and will be making her first appearance at Rockford.
“This means so much to me,” said the Maine West senior. “I really appreciate this opportunity (to compete at state) and it'll be great to have all my friends with me. My focus is going to be making my spares, making consistent shots, and deep breathing. My Psych teacher (Suzanne Savard) taught me to take a deep breath before every shot if I want to make the best shot possible.”
Conneely also gave props to Hersey's Wrenn, the Mid-Suburban League champion, who is a friend and bowling partner.
“Emma and I bowled together in summer leagues,” Conneely said. “And she pushed me to be the best that I can be. She's an amazing person.”