Schaumburg, Elk Grove stay perfect; Hartel sparks Hoffman
Schaumburg and Elk Grove stayed undefeated - while an inspired performance from Hoffman Estates junior Kara Hartel, one she dedicated to her JV coach from last year - helped push the Hawks into the early Mid-Suburban League mix as well.
Hartel's 655 series Thursday night led Hoffman to a 9-0 win over Conant, while Schaumburg and MSL average leader Jodi Gawlik defeated Barrington by the same score at AMF Lanes in Rolling Meadows.
Gawlik rolled a 713, including games of 245 and 243, while Elk Grove kept pace with the Saxons at the top of the MSL with a sweep over Hersey.
The action featured some impressive series.
Brittany Meyer of Rolling Meadows posted a 685 in a 5-4 win over Buffalo Grove, just edging the Bison and Molly Jackson (659).
Hartel bowled games of 244, 200 and 211 to lead the Hawks, who captured the 2006 IHSA state championship, to fourth place - just behind Rolling Meadows three matches into the MSL season.
"He motivated me," said Hartel of Hoffman JV coach Gonz Bullon. "He told me to clear my head, stay focused, relax and just leave everything else outside the lanes for three hours."
The junior said she was 'shocked' after rolling the 242 in Game 1, but it gave her confidence for the final two games.
"I even had two opens in the first two frames of the last game," said Hartel, "but I was still able to get up there."
Palatine defeated Prospect 7-2 to take possession of the "Beverly Lanes Pin," an honorary trophy which the rivals - who practice at that location - battle for each year.
Pirates junior Barbie Gutwein, an individual state qualifier last year who has been battling back spasms this season, rolled the night's top game with a 254.
Gutwein said she and her teammates were "a little more connected tonight" and gave a lot of credit to fellow Pirate Meghan Clark, who rolled a 616.
"She's a funny person and a great bowler," Gutwein said. "She's the kind of person who can lead us to the state tournament."
Tedra Tado led the Grens with a 640 series; Margaret Gawlik fired a 215 game for Hersey; Rachel Oehlert was best for Prospect with a 233 in Game 2; and Steph Gedeller pitched in for Barrington with a 170.
Stephanie Vura, third individually in the MSL going into the meet, did all she could for Conant by shooting a 601.
Wheeling, behind Gabi Fuentes' 230 game, defeated Fremd, but the Vikings were able to count their first points of the season by winning Game 3 with a strong performance from senior Melany Butz (219).
"We're keeping out spirits up," Butz said.
"We've got to go out there and stay focused."