River Hawk Bowler Kyle Totos celebrates picking up a spare with his teammates during yesterday’s second game. Totos went on to bowl a 223 that game.
by Jonathan Weaver
The Armstrong River Hawks club bowling teams kept their unbeaten streak alive last night with match victories against Seneca Valley.
During their last home matches of the season at King’s Lanes in Kittanning, Armstrong’s teams won five of the possible six games. Each match is comprised of three 10-frame games.
The boys’ – led by Captain Owen Zablocki – swept the three games to secure an 8-0 record.
Zablocki, a junior student who has been on the team for all three Armstrong seasons, knocked down the most pins in the boys’ match and the highest score – a 244 during the third game.
He also had a streak of six straight strikes during the second game.
“I knew that I was doing it, but I don’t really know what triggered that success –it just kind-of happens, being able to throw it right, at the right speed and at the right location,” Zablocki said.
Zablocki said the five-member boys’ team knew when they won the match against the fifth-place Seneca Valley team.
“Based on how the second game went and how well we did against (Seneca Valley) and how many pins we were above them, we knew we had a pretty-solid chance in beating them,” Zablocki said. “No matter which opponent we’re facing, we always try to bring our A-game.”
The girls’ team – led by Captain Lauren Rice – had to overcome an early loss to record the overall match victory and earn their 8-0 record.
The girls’ team lost the first game 802-780 – which worried Head Coach Tom Shaner.
“They didn’t look themselves and they weren’t bowling like they normally do,” Coach Shaner said. “I was actually scared – I thought they were going to lose (the match).”
The girls’ team has lost only two games all season.
Rice, of Manorville, said how the five female bowlers turned the match around.
“I think the main thing with us recovering, is we have to remain upbeat and we have to move on,” Rice said. “We can’t focus on losing.”
Overall, Coach Shaner said he “very much” expected the success both Armstrong teams are having.
“Very successful- I’m very fortunate,” Coach Shaner said.
Coach Shaner credited the youth leagues in Ford City and Kittanning with teaching the athletes how to be successful.
With the two game victories and the overall match victory, the girls’ team now has eclipsed 52 points – at least 10 more than second-place Butler (their next opponent).
Armstrong’s boys’ team has also totaled 50 points, but is narrowly leading Butler in points.
“The main thing is we have to focus on what we’re doing and not get a big head about (the standings),” Rice said.
Armstrong hopes to continue its winning streaks the next two weeks on the road against Butler and Knoch.
“Butler is probably our best friends and our biggest competitors in the section,” Rice said.
Zablocki agreed, and said the close competition with Butler is pushing the bowlers to do their best.
The two senior boys and four senior girls – including Rice - were recognized following the victories.
A Saturday morning junior league for nearly 15 years and also a competitive baton twirler, Rice has won scholarships for her pending further education this fall at Slippery Rock University.
Slippery Rock currently does not have a university bowling team, but Rice hopes to continue in the local junior league.
More than two dozen Junior Varsity and Varsity River Hawk Bowlers were utilizing Kings Lanes in Kittanning during last night’s match-up versus Seneca Valley.