The Le Mars Community girls bowling team advanced to the state bowling meet for the 10th year in a row at Sweet 16 Lanes in Le Mars on Monday.
The Bulldogs shot a 2971 which was the top mark at the meet by 447 pins. It was also the top score amongst all 2A state qualifiers across the state on Monday. The Bulldogs started with a 225 and a 224 in the first two baker games out of their 15 total. Head coach Gary Brady says starts like that just get the ball rolling towards all kinds of momentum.
The Bulldogs did have some hills to climb throughout the baker set in the form of bad frames or bad games overall. Coach Brady says the girls know to stay in the moment and focus on picking up what you can or moving on to the next shot.
Part of the momentum boost for the Bulldogs came from Natalie Vanderloo. In an early sign of elite bowling, Vanderloo bowled 14 consecutive strikes in her frames during the baker games. Coach Brady says her bowling skill can lead to the rest of the team following suit.
The Bulldogs will compete at the state meet in Waterloo on Wednesday, February 21st.
