Waubonsie takes third at state tourney

ROCKFORD -- Call it mission accomplished for Waubonsie Valley.

The Warriors brought home their first state girls bowling trophy Saturday, taking third place in the IHSA tournament at Cherry Bowl.

After a solid two rounds Friday, the Warriors roared from eighth place to earn the third spot. The Warriors shot a 12-game total of 11, 836, finishing behind state champion Rockford Jefferson (12,096) and Schaumburg (12,027) -- both of which broke the state pinfall record.

"We came out here with a goal to come home with some hardware," said Warriors coach Amy Rymer. "We're hoping the next time we come back, next year, we can move up again."

The Warriors set a three-game state record of their own in Saturday morning's third round, rolling a 3,126 including games of 1,030, 1,082 and 1,014.

"It was just a matter of the girls having confidence," Rymer said. "They've got the ability and talent. The only thing that gets in their way is their own heads. We've got nothing to lose at this point and let the ball roll. We wanted to push for it and get the hardware."

In the afternoon Waubonsie Valley kept the momentum going with games of 1,018, 957 and 898.

In the final individual standings Warriors junior Sarah O'Brien knocked down 2,494 pins and tied for 12th place with Warren's Dani Thul.

"I'm glad we can do this for the seniors," O'Brien said. "I just really wanted it bad and wanted to bowl well. We wanted to take hardwood home. We were all focused and wanted to bowl."

Other scorers for the Warriors included senior Samantha Johnson (2,438); junior Rachel Rymer (2,335); senior Katie Dupuis (2,315); senior Hallie Szott (2,254).

Individually, Fenton senior Vicki Guadagno was 15th with 2,477 that included high games of 246 and 245.

Willowbrook sophomore Tammy Priola finished in 57th place with a 2,314, and Lake Park junior Tiffany Novy placed in 59th with 2,300.

Schaumburg junior Marilyn Gawlik was the individual state champion, rolling a 2,645 for a 220 average.