Staff report
The Sidney High boys bowling team rose to the occasion Friday with a record-breaking performance in a big matchup at Bel-Mar Lanes in Sidney.
The Jackets were taking on Vandalia, with both teams coming into the game unbeaten on the year.
Sidney entered at 9-0 in the Greater Western Ohio Conference American North standings and 12-0 overall, while the Aviators were 9-0 in the North and 10-0 on the year.
When it was over, the Yellow Jackets were sitting alone atop the American North standings after handing the Aviators their first loss of the season.
The scores were 2704 for Sidney and 2307 for Vandalia. The 2704 is Sidney’s season high in dual matches this season, and is also a new school record.
“Once again, this was the most complete match we have bowled all year,” said Sidney coach Trent Knoop. “It seems like we keep improving each match. The focus level was phenomenal today, and we were making great shots over and over. We went into this match looking at it as if this was a best of the best match, and we know we have to defend our home house. Can’t say enough how well we did tonight. Butler is a great team and I can’t say that enough either.”
Four Sidney bowlers bowled over 200 in each of their two games, led by Josh Abbott with a 515 on games of 236 and 279.
Austin Simon had a 223 and a 278 for a 501 series, Matt Elliott had games of 233 and 234 for a 467, and Sean Martin had a 224 and a 234 for a 458.
Damon Phillis added a 375 series on games of 180 and 195.
Sidney’s regular-game total was 2316 and the Jackets added baker games of 227 and 161 for a 388.
The Jackets will compete in the Pirate Challenge at Capri Lanes in Dayton today.
• The Sidney girls were hoping to take sole possession of second place, a game behind league-leading Troy, in their matchup with Vandalia, but the Lady Aviators came away losing by just 95 pins.
The scores were 2305 to 2210, and the Lady Jackets are now 7-6 overall and 7-3 in the division.
“Honestly, we bowled well,” Knoop said. “This one game won’t change how well we have been doing as a team the past month. Butler was on fire tonight, and there wasn’t a ton we could do about that. Hats off to them. Butler is having a very good season on the girls side. We will look to get back on track Monday.”
Heather Gold continued her excellent bowling of late, finishing with a 474 series on games of 232 and 242 to lead the Lady Jackets.
Jenna Beatty had games of 166 and 190 for a 356 series, Kathryn Saunders had a 351 on games of 180 and 171, and Allison Ickes had a 191 and added a 147 for a 338 series.
The Lady Jackets had 1784 in regular games and added outstanding baker games of 206 and 220 for a 426.
The Lady Jackets will also compete in the Pirate Challenge at Capri Lanes in Dayton today.
