BY DANIELLA BOROVSKAIA
Experienced members of the bowling team excelled this season as new bowlers gained experience. Four members of the team made it to finals and two girls placed.
Sophomore Savannah Gomez finished fifth in the Greater Middlesex County Red Division Tournament after earning the second seed in the qualifying match. Gomez said, “It was super exciting. I knew I did my best, and I was confident that I placed top 32, but when I figured out I was second, I was thrilled.”
In her first high school tournament, sophomore Madeline Hickel took third place in the GMC Red Division Tournament. “It was kind of scary because there were so many people there and if you didn’t do better than one person you got kicked off. There was pressure,” said Hickel.
Senior Joseph Roco and junior Matthew Pedi also earned a spot in the finals. Pedi said, “I was so happy to take part in the GMCs. It was great to compete with all of the other bowlers.”
The team’s success started with the first match of the season where the boys and girls teams both earned 4-0 wins against Piscataway. “We didn’t expect to win since most of the team just started and were only just learning how to bowl, but when we won, everyone was very happy,” Gomez said.
“I have mostly new girls and few new boys, and I was hoping to see progression, which I did for many,” said coach Theresa Ficshetti. Along the way, the bowlers had fun as they improved.
“My favorite thing is being with all the friends I’ve made on the team, since there are a bunch of new bowlers on both the boys and girls teams this year,” said junior Ryan Frudden. Due to the impact of COVID and the youth of the team, this was the first season for many members of the squad.
Hickel had never played a high school sport before, but decided to try out for the team after bowling for fun for years. She said, “My favorite part of being on the bowling team is having something fun to do other than just going home.”
All of the bowlers enjoyed the season for one reason or another. “The most fascinating thing about bowling is that every day of bowling is completely unique and thus refreshing,” said junior Matt Kramer.
For Frudden, the season ended on a high note in the team’s final regular season match. “The highlight for my team and I would be closely competing against an undefeated team in our conference at the match we had against them: Woodbridge.” Frudden earned one of his best sets of the season in that meet, scoring 475.
In the end, coach Ficshetti said, “I was pleased with their record,” and the players all improved and enjoyed the season, but they aren’t done quite yet. The team will compete in the GMC Red division team tournament on Monday.
Posted on 1/20/22
Photos by Lors Photography
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