Varsity Bowlers Prep for States with Strong Victory

Fresh off their impressive runner-up performance in the Union County championships, the Scotch Plains-Fanwood High varsity bowling team got back to business on Monday and rolled a 7-0 victory over St. Mary's.

The Raiders were led by senior Peter Citera, who finished with a match-high 636 series, capped by a 238 in the final game. Nick Stawicki was right behind with a 606, including a team-high 222 in the first game, as SP-F improves to 12-2 on the season in league play.

"It was one of those days where the pace of bowling was a lot slower than normal and it's good to be armed with a lot of stories to keep you occupied," Tufaro said. "We did a good job and fought through difficulties with the slow pace and bowled well today. This may be myself and Katarina's last match of the season due to a possible snow day, so it's good to go out with a good game and a good series."   

Tufaro chipped in with his usual consistency, rolling a 213 and 223 on his way to a 587 series. Katarina Nier finished with a 530 and Greg Budis was at 515 as the Raiders came just shy of another 3,000 pin effort. They had 2,873 to beat their opponent by over 1,000 pins. But it was their third game that was very impressive.

"1,010 is a nice number," coach James Mason said. "We're averaging in the high 970's so anytime you get above that average you're doing well."

Meanwhile, Citera continues to impress his coach.

"Pete has been so consistent all year long," he said. "He's really come on the last half of the season. It's the kind of thing we expect from him. He's a senior and he's got an eye of going out with a bang."

The Raiders will have one more match on Thursday against Elizabeth before the boys' bowlers take the stage Saturday morning at Jersey Lanes in the state sectional tournament. It's expected that 25-30 teams will be on hand, coming together from different counties, with the top two squads moving on to the team finals, while the top nine individual bowlers advance.

The individual championship is set for February 20 with the team championship scheduled for the same day, both at Carolier Lanes in New Brunswick.

"We're definitely capable of putting a few bowlers in position to win individuals and as a team, we have very high expectations," Citera said. "The counties were absolutely incredible. We came into the season not knowing what we were going to be able to do. Second place in the county is more than respectable, especially losing to a team such as Roselle Catholic (2^nd in the state)."

But Stawicki and his teammates are now ready to turn the page.

"We're psyched for states," he said. "We have a good chance this year and we hope to go far."