By Susan Jenior

Staff Writer

The Rootstown boys bowling team traveled to Columbus for the state tournament on Saturday.

It was the second day for the Rovers’ bowling teams at the state tournament — as the girls teams finished their state run in seventh place on Friday.

On Saturday, for the boys, the Rovers hovered around the eighth-qualifying spot that would lead them to the second round and remained there through the five Baker games, just missing the match play and landing in ninth place by a mere 39 pins at the end of the five Baker games.

“We just had too many missed makeable spares and the carry on our pairs was brutal,” said Thom Butcher, coach of the Rovers.

“Nick Moorehead (247-666) rolled the ball extremely well today,” said Butcher. “Justin Miller had emergency surgery last Saturday and just wasn’t himself the second and third games. He bowled very good in the Baker games.

“The team grinded and fought through nerves and frustration and rolled the ball well enough to qualify for the match play but just missed,” Butcher added.

“I am extremely proud of each one of the team members,” concluded Butcher.

BOYS BOWLING SCOREBOARD

DIVISION II STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

9. ROOTSTOWN:  Nick Moorehead 230-189-247-666, Anthony Cambareri 182-213-175 570, Justin Miller 228-161-180 589, Sean Boveington 161-273-234 568, Caleb Stevens 181-213-168 562.