By Susan Jenior

Staff Writer

At the beginning of the season, there were several coaches who may have included the phrase, “it’s a building year” in their preseason spotlights.

It may take a little while for a team to jell together and experience the momentum that solid games can create in a match.

This season, however, has been highlighted by coaches offering how much work the bowlers are putting into their games and record-setting performances.

As high-school bowling moves into the busy January matches and tournaments, it will be fun to watch the teams that are starting to peak at just the right time.

FIELD FALCONS

Last week, Field Falcons walked into Spins Bowl in Kent to compete in a match against the Ravenna Ravens.

The Ravens call Spins Bowl home, but it was the Falcons that made the lanes their own as the Falcon boys soundly defeated the Ravens 2,907 to 2,502 — a difference of 405 pins.

The total team score was not only rewarding because it earned the Falcons a victory but it also set a new Metro Athletic Conference record.

The Field and Streetsboro boys bowling teams took a moment for a group picture last week during their Metro Athletic Conference matchup.

Back in 2021, the Norton Panthers tossed a solid 2,869 match score that has held for four years but, Field put that record to bed with that 2,907 total to earn the MAC team — and the team combined for a 654 series in the three Baker games.

The match put a spotlight on the always important total team effort the five bowlers combined for seven games over 200 out of 10.

Best bowler on the lanes in the match for Field was Peyton Hover, 289-236—525, followed by Kalel Holmes, 228-249—477, and Joseph Dilworth, 262-210—472.

Additional bowlers in the record-setting effort for Field included Chance Balus and Tristan Reuting.

The Ravens high-game series was fired by Pete Jennings 251-204—455.

The Field boys followed that match with a victory over Streetsboro and coach Matt Stump as both teams gathered for a photo at the lanes they share, Kent Lanes.

ROVER GIRLS TOP SOUTHEAST

In another home match for both teams, the Rootstown girls topped Southeast Pirates at Spins Bowl in Kent 2,192-1,764.

The former Portage Trail Conference rivals have always made Spins Bowl their home.

In the victory, the Rovers’ Natalie Hammerschmidt rolled a 235 high game on her way to a 425 series and Emily Morrison led the Pirates rolling a high game of 180 and finishing with a 306 series.

The Pirates did pick up a win this past week over MVAC rival Liberty, winning the match by 551 pins again behind the solid bowling of Morrison’s 178-199 377 and Lizzie Mix rolling a 148 game and 286 series.

Be sure and plan on attending a bowling match and follow the local high-school athletes. The matches are free and you will find talented bowlers competing for the pride of their school and themselves.