West Delaware sweeps Panthers

     Monticello opened its high school bowling season against West Delaware, one of the most successful, established programs in the state, and the visiting Hawks came away with a pair of victories in the Panthers’ season opener Dec. 3 at Legacy Lanes.

     West Delaware won the boys’ match by just 17 pins, 3003 to 2986, and took the girls’ contest 2753 to 1683.

     From the boys’ standpoint, the loss stung a bit, as the Panthers were returning their entire lineup from the squad that qualified for the state tournament last year for the first time, finishing eighth.

     And though Monticello had a strong performance in the Baker round, outscoring West Delaware 997 to 970, the Hawks rolled 234 and 228 in the final two Baker games to edge the Panthers.

     “I know that they lost some talent, but they have such a good program that they filled in real well,” Monticello coach Brian Meyer said of the visiting Hawks. “Our kids were so anxious to start, and we have such high expectations. The kids have great fundamental skills, but I need to help them get better at focusing on the task at hand, and managing their heart rate and their breathing.”

     Logan Farmer had a strong start to the season for Monticello, bowling 211 and 223 for a 434 two-game series. Gary Pasker was close behind at 180-238–418. Caleb Gillmore had a 406 series.

     “I wasn’t disappointed in anybody, and some guys did great,” Meyer said. “It wasn’t what we hoped for, but if we’re going to lose a meet, that’s the one to lose. You want to win the last one.”

     The Panther girls had the task of bowling against a perennial powerhouse with a lineup that included four girls who had never bowled competitively before. West Delaware proved too strong.

     “They have a really good program, and here we are with another group of fresh bowlers,” Meyer said. “The girls bowled well. We have only had two or three practices together.”

     Becky Lang led the Panther girls with a 125-153–278 series. Emma Hynick had a 245 series, Karle Kramer totaled 229, and Nora Sperfslage had 228.

     “With the girls, we’re just going to keep continuing with fundamentals,” Meyer said. “We’ve got some athletes on the team. We’ve got high expectations for them too.”

Dec. 3

(at Legacy Lanes,

Monticello)

BOYS VARSITY FINAL SCORE

     West Delaware 3003, Monticello 2986.

Individual Round Score

     West Delaware 2033, Monticello 1989.

Baker Round Score

     Monticello 997, West Delaware 970.

Monticello Results

     Logan Farmer 211-223–434, Gary Pasker 180-238–418, Caleb Gillmore 192-214–406, Levi Temple 143-235–378, Easton Lee 190-163–353, Jacob Farmer 181-153–334.

GIRLS VARSITY FINAL SCORE

     West Delaware 2753, Monticello 1683.

Individual Round Score

     West Delaware 1840, Monticello 1198.

Baker Round Score

     West Delaware 913, Monticello 485.

Monticello Results

     Becky Lang 125-153–278, Emma Hynick 120-125–245, Karle Kramer 129-100–229, Nora Sperfslage 113-115–228, Adele Hogan 112-106–218, Emily Hendricks 89-68–157.

BOYS JV SCORES (single game)

     Alex Fagan 211, Brendan Pasker 184, Cole Nietert 115, Ian LaGrange 82.