By Meg Peters
Review Co-Editor
One of the younger teams varsity coach Denny O’Neill has had the privilege of coaching thus far, Lake Orion’s girls varsity bowling team has surely made him proud during the 2014-15 season.
The Lady Dragons secured three tournament wins since December, and are off to 300 Bowl in Waterford’this Friday’and’Saturday’to compete at the state regionals.
The eight member team placed first at the Oakland County Tournament in December and shortly thereafter grabbed the championship title for the Tri County Invitational Tournament between Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties January 24.
Most recently they were named champions of the OAA Red Division, surpassing the Oxford Wildcats in league play on Feb. 19, to win the OAA Post Season Championship Sunday’at Thunderbird Lanes in Troy.
Leading the team with the highest seasonal average is sophomore Hannah Mix with a 197 average, with team captain and junior Tyrna Gladstone on the heels of her bowling shoes with an average of 195.
Bowling third highest is sophomore Lexi Babicz with an average of 176. Next in line is sophomore Madeline Marcetti with an average of 175, with sophomores Savanna Rolle and Angela Kemter, freshman Rachel Kane, senior Nerak Gezycki and freshman Autumn Sink close behind.
‘They’ve worked very hard this year, and it’s paid off,? Jeff Mix, Hannah Mix’s father, said.
Coach O’Neill couldn’t agree more.
‘They did very well for the season,? he said. ‘In the heat of competition they were able to step up to the line and throw quality shots, make crucial strikes and spares to win the matches that they won. It shows a lot about the character and commitment the girls have for the sport.?
One of the things Coach O’Neill instills in the girls, as a professional bowler himself, is good sportsmanship, ethics, the love of the game and national pride. ‘And they do it well,? he said.
Only the top 10 individual girls and top three high school teams will make it to state finals competition next week, and the Lady Dragons have a good chance, O’Neill said.
‘I think we do. Good fortune has to be riding on your shoulders to make it happen. But they’ve shown the depth and strength to throw the games when they need them. They all have the capability.
‘The game is made up of physical ability and mental ability. No matter how strong you are physically you have to be at least that strong or more mentally to achieve our goals.?