By Susan Jenior

Staff Writer

The focus is on Rootstown and Ravenna as the state high school bowling championships get underway in Columbus to determine the beset in the state.

Up first, the Rovers’ girls bowling team, who advanced to the state bowling championships for the second straight season.

Rolling for honors at H.P. Lanes in Columbus on Friday, the team has amassed an impressive resume this season, including winning the state high school kickoff tournament early in the season.

This is a familiar place for the Rovers.

In 2023-24, the Rovers finished eighth in the opening round and worked their way through the bracket to finish fourth in the state.

Rootstown graduated Maggie Frick, Payton Curall, Elli Campbell and Natalie Hammerschmidt from that team. With Kaitlyn Hammerschmidt and Emma Day both returning from state-tournament competition.

Coach Andy Day has been complimentary of the girls team this season after they lost so many girls from a season ago.

The expectations are still high after winning the kickoff tournament, Portage Trail Conference and finishing high in other tournaments throughout the season.

Today, registration begins at 9 a.m., with the qualifying round beginning at 10:45 a.m.

At the end of Friday, champions, both individuals and team, will be announced.

Following the girls bowling in the state tournament, the Rootstown boys will bowl in the state tournament on Saturday and the Ravenna boys will bowl on March 8.