Elk Grove maintains MSL lead
The Elk Grove girls bowling team has been in first place in the Mid-Suburban League this year from the get-go.
And with only one match remaining before the conference tournament, the Grenadiers plan on staying there.
Thursday night at AMF Rolling Meadows Lanes, junior Ashley Dolce (664 series, 246 game) led the way as the Grens, who have dropped only 6 points all season, stayed on top with a 9-0 win over Palatine.
“We've been focusing on our competition even more than usual this season,” said Elk Grove senior Micaela Powell, “but more importantly we try to keep the focus on ourselves, our scores and picking up our spares.
“The key is to keep our energy up and have a positive attitude.”
Senior Caerlina Williams added games of 237 and 227 for the Grens, who are facing stiff competition for the MSL crown from Prospect and Hoffman Estates. They're tied for second place, just 5 points behind.
Prospect bested Conant 9-0 behind Mary Styzek (646 series) to stay within striking distance, while Hoffman, led by senior Kailey Schlosser's 269 in the third game, beat Rolling Meadows by the same score.
“My first game was very low,” said Schlosser, “so I knew I had to do something to turn it around. I was complaining to my coach and he said ‘The strikes will come,' and I finally found what I needed near the end of game two and carried it over to game three.”
Hoffman fans were still buzzing over the performance last week of Liz Saffold, who rolled the top series in the MSL (748) in over two years.
“I guess I ate my Wheaties that day,” joked Saffold, who will bowl next year at Vanderbilt. “Really, I just found a good line and started striking.”
Schaumburg defeated Fremd 9-0 as senior Jodi Gawlik excelled with two games of 247, while Buffalo Grove (Kara Zukoski, 267 game) won over Hersey and Wheeling (Betsy Jerbi, 570 series) defeated Barrington.
And now as the students take a break for finals, the stage is set for a week from Monday, when Prospect takes on Fremd in the MSL's final regular-season meet while Elk Grove faces off against Hoffman Estates in a crucial match.
“We're going to approach it (the game versus No. 1 Elk Grove) the way we approach every game — we want to win every time out,” said Saffold. “I think we're all peaking at the right time.”
Elk Grove coach Kim Sander says her bowlers are very excited — and confident — about playing the Hawks.
“Our girls know what's at stake,” said Sander. “Hoffman is a good team and it'll be great competition. Anyone who enjoys high school bowling should be here to watch it. It's going to be a great match.”