Unlikely Hero Sparks Anchor Bay Bowling Team

Call it seventh heaven.

The girls bowling team won their second state championship Friday afternoon by defeating Taylor Kennedy 1183-1169, and it was largely due to their seventh bowler, sophomore Alicia Marvinetz.

Marvinetz was called up from the junior-varsity bowling squad to help the varsity team at the big tournament. When called upon by Anchor Bay varsity bowling coach Karyn Mazei, Marvinetz shined.

"Alicia was going to make or break us," Mazei said. "She came into the day with a 155 average and did an excellent job of bowling 182 when the pressure was on. It's very hard for any bowler to step up cold and do what she did. She fit-in so well with the team. The girls made her feel welcome and I think that helped."

It was a long day of bowling and Mazei credits the whole team for claiming the crown.

"It was definately not a one-person show," she said. "All seven girls contributed to the victory. It's funny, no one was really on their game, but we bowled good. We were under our high scores. It was a total team effort and I'm so happy for them.  This was the first time we went into states as the regional champion, the girls worked hard all year."

The Tars qualified fourth in the morning rounds, and defeated Hudsonville 1161-1104 in the top 8. They faced their Macomb County foes Warren Cousino next in the top 4 and beat them 1323-1191 to clinch a spot in the final to face big rivals in Taylor Kennedy.

Anchor Bay was state champion in 2007 and runner-up in 2009, losing to Taylor Kennedy.

Members of the state championship team include , Kayla Gregorie, Mikalee Bogue, , , Mariah Fasczcewski and Marvinetz.

The team enjoyed a celebratory dinner afterward with the Anchor Bay boys bowling team and parents.

Of course, the state trophy had the seat of honor at the table.