he girls bowling season ended on an all-time high; the girls were Conference and Regional champions for the second time in a row, they placed third at Sectionals, and broke the school’s IHSA record by placing 15th at State.
“I think we had a very good season. We won our Conference title again. We won the Regional title again. We advanced to State as a team again, and at State we placed the highest of any team at Grayslake North in 15th place,” said senior Sarah Littleton.
Last season’s goal was the same as this season’s: go to State. Last season the team missed going to State by only four pins.
“The goal for State was to make the cut to be able to bowl on the second day as a team. We didn’t bowl as well as we had been bowling, and we missed making the cut by 103 pins,” said coach Laura Bertermann.
Although the team did not advance as a whole, senior Sarah Littleton advanced individually and placed eighth.
“It was a very successful year for me as an individual, but even more impressive as a team. I am very happy I left my team and my coach after a very successful year,” said Littleton, who is continuing to bowl with St. Francis University next year.
Bowlers say that the sport is more of a mental game.
“I was my toughest opponent. Our whole team has the talent, but skill does us no good if we can’t control ourselves,” said senior Kait Christiansen.
Since most players on the team are seniors, this will be the end for most of the girls on the team. Those who remain on the team are looking forward to improving next year.
“I am so proud of the entire group of 20 girls on the team. I am so proud to be a part of something so great. I am also looking forward to continuing a winning tradition at Grayslake North,” Bertermann said.