By Susan Jenior

Staff Writer

On Friday the Rootstown varsity boys bowling team secure their spot in the Division II State Championship Bowling Tournament.

On Saturday, the Rootstown girls did the same, grabbing the fourth and final qualifying spot to advance to the Division II state tournament in Columbus.

Battling against the best teams in the Northeast District, the Rovers’ girls were only 284 pins out of first place and topped the Garfield girls by 46 pins for the final spot that takes them to the state final.

Junior Kaitlyn Hammerschmidt rolled the best series for Rootstown, tossing a 540, with a 244 high game that landed her in the top 10 of the tournament individuals.

Olivia Davies, a sophomore, rolled a 194 on her way to a 531 series.

Rounding out the scoring were Emma Day (173-484) and (Cassi Egli 161-470). Several substitutions also aided the Rovers in their outstanding effort to return to state.

“We picked up our spares better than at sectionals,” said Andy Day, coach of the Rovers. “There was absolutely no carry in the house so a lot of corner pins were left.

“It’s great to be able to make it again after the turnover in roster from last season,” Day added. “The girls stayed positive all day and never really got down. I think we have yet to bowl what we are capable of.”

The Rovers will appear again at the state tournament on Feb. 28 at H.P. Lanes in Columbus followed by the boys on March 1.

The only other Portage County team in the district tournament was Garfield, which missed advancing to the state final by 46 pins.

Finishing in fifth, the G-Men were led by sophomore Joy Justice, 194-509, Kim Bowers 173-476, and junior Alexis Phillips, 177-461.

GIRLS BOWLING SCOREBOARD

DIVISION II DISTRICT TOURNAMENT

(At Roseland Lanes, Oakwood)

Note: Top-four teams and four individuals not on a qualifying team advance.

TEAM STANDINGS

Fairport Harbor Harding 3,586; Struthers 3,550; Open Door Christian 3,429; Rootstown 3,302; Garfield 3,256; Hubbard 3,237; East Canton 3,161; Lakeview 3,156; Triway 3,010; Keystone 2,915; Elyria Catholic 2,785; Labrae 2,716; Edgewood 2,671; Champion 2,472.

QUALIFYING INDIVIDUALS

Katie Smith, Firelands 588; Kennedy Finley, Triway 581; Madison Lint, East Canton 545; Francis Palaski, Canton Central Catholic 540.

PORTAGE COUNTY RESULTS

ROOTSTOWN (3,302): Kaitlyn Hammerschmidt 244-540, Olivia Davies 172-531, Emma Day 173-464, Cassie Egli 161-470, Sub games 116-115-124.

GARFIELD (3,256): Sierra Foy 173-476, Makenna Guyette 161-455, Joy Justice 194-509, Alexis Phillips 177-461, Haley Thompson 147-399.