The Lady Knights bowling team came 4th at the state championship for the 2nd time in girls’ bowling history. On Friday, Feb. 21, and Saturday 22 from 9 am to 1 pm, the Lady Knights competed in the state championships at Bowlero in Pittsburgh.
“It feels amazing to be 4th in the state,” said Gabby Anders. “I have been bowling for the last 4 years and never thought that I was going to be on a team that has made it to States all 4 years.”
Gabby’s average for the Girls’ Varsity team came to 171.10 with a total of 5133 pins. The top performer in the girls’ varsity section was Kari Siegel with an average of 199.27 with a total of 5978 pins. Kari’s score was only shortly followed by her sister Kali Siegel who held the two top spots in the section. They had different oil patterns, which is when oil is applied to the lane to create different conditions, making shots easier or more challenging. So when the ball is thrown it could roll differently than it would on a different lane.
“I think the team performed very well for what oil patterns were given to us,” said Anders. “We had some struggles with making spares and hitting our mark but overall, we did our best and had the best time.”
The starting three bowlers were seniors this year and it’s a very bittersweet moment for this crew since this will be their last year ever playing for Norwin. Now, it’s time for them to move on to college, work, or whatever they decide to do with their lives. Gabby Anders is planning on going to La Roche University to dual major in Early Childhood and Special Ed.
“It hurts that this is my last season with the team but I am glad that I get to continue my bowling career in college,” said Anders. “This team has been my family for the last four years and I am so sad to leave.”
Along with other seniors, this is a big step in their career. Especially since they’re going to college and some to bowl for college.
“I will say some of my strategies during a game is to make sure I keep my focus and have a level head,” said Kari Siegel.
Keeping a mental focus, especially in bowling is often the key to success.
“I also tend to remind myself before a match that I know I am a talented bowler who is capable of succeeding and this typically helps me with that level head idea,” said Siegel “Maybe even adding on to my focus, any time I get ready to bowl, I always stand there for a moment and take a breath before I take my first step in my approach so that I am perfectly calm and relaxed.”
The Lady Knights were really successful in states and in their regular season having an astounding 10-0 record, and an overall 39-1 record over 4 years, and coming first place in their division all 4 years.
