Here’s a recap of the early December bowling meets.
The girls varsity team faced Tecumseh, the defending state champions, on Dec. 3, in its first meet of the season, losing 30-0 at home. Lexi Ray lead the team with a 260 series and Kali Young and Hannah Howard both bowled well.
The girls’ second meet was against Ann Arbor Pioneer on Dec. 6, and the Bulldogs won 29-1, for the team’s first victory of the season. Tracie Elkins had 8 strikes in a row and bowled a 242. The girls bowled a 166 in “baker” format.
“This was a great win for our team,” said Tom DeBacker, first-year girls coach. “It was very exciting to see Tracie bowl that well and everyone in the bowling center was cheering for her.”
The Chelsea boys’ team also opened its season against Tecumseh on Dec. 3 and lost 16-14. Senior Jake Layher bowled a 219 and a 192 and Junior James Zink bowled a 201.
“We did not manage our spares,” said Head Coach Ed Greenleaf, Jr. “You have to be able to execute one pin leaves and we could not capitalize on easy shots.”
Greenleaf said that Tecumseh was “a very well coached team and will take advantage of every opportunity you give them. Today, we gave them opportunities.”
Chelsea was up 10-0 after the baker games and lost 16-14.
On Dec. 6, the boys’ team bowled against Ann Arbor Pioneer and won 29-1, evening its record to 1-1 for the season.
Chelsea rolled a 1,033 team series during their first 5 on 5 match. All five bowlers rolled over 200. Senior Jesse Stebelton bowled a 221 and Junior Mitch Waterburg bowled a 245.
Chelsea closed 90 percent of its frames.
“We made the shots that we needed to make and converted our spares,” Greenleaf said. “I’m proud of the effort the team gave today,” adding, “It is always a good win when you can get the complete team involved.”
Greenleaf said the team is working hard to reduce the number of errant shots. “Closing 90 percent of your frames shows that you do not have very many missed shots,” he said.
