Eagles Girls' Bowlers Top Last Year, End Up Fifth in NJ

A year after making states for the first time in 14 years, the West Deptford girls were back in the raucous atmosphere at the Brunswick Zone Carolier in North Brunswick, fighting for a shot at the overall Group 2 bowling title Monday.

While they couldn't catch Manchester Township, who went on to win both the overall sectional title as well as the Tournament of Champions title later in the day, the Eagles came away about 40 pins better than they did last year, thanks in part to a solid team showing in the state championships' one wrinkle—Baker style.

The odd format change—states are the only time Baker is used—cost West Deptford last year, when they couldn't crack 700 pins, but thanks in part to some practice with the style, which involves bowlers alternating through a single game, each taking two frames, in the lead-up to states, they improved to a 738 in the team game.

“We moved our lineup around a little bit for the Baker,” head coach Aaron Burr said. “I think that helped a little bit, just having that year experience with it.”

Morgan Brown, who along with Steph Fanelli was one of the only two on the team who'd faced the pressure and quirks of the state championships, said she thought the team responded well to the conditions, especially in light of the final score.

“For us, we did really well,” she said.

West Deptford wasn't far behind the competition; while Manchester ran away with the Group 2 state title, the Eagles were only 107 pins out of a top-three finish in the group stage.

Freshman Maddie Miller was a key part of the Eagles' finish, delivering a solid performance, well over her average, including a 161 in one game, despite having never competed at the state level. She said the atmosphere—complete with stadium seating, screaming fans waving signs and dozens of the top bowlers from around New Jersey—didn't rattle her.

“I play softball...so I'm used to the loud cheering and yelling,” Miller said. “I didn't think it would be this loud for bowling, but it was fun.”

The girls were led by Brown, who caught fire at the end of the first game to finish with a 258, the day's early high game, which was followed by a 201. Overall, the Eagles fired scores of 829, 766 and 738 for a 2,333 total.

Now, the attention turns to the singles tournament Wednesday, which will also be at Carolier, where Brown is the No. 10 seed out of South Jersey, Group 2.

Burr said he thinks she's primed for another great showing, after finishing ninth last year.

“Her arm's strong, she has confidence after today and hopefully she'll make a nice run,” he said.

Brown was even more enthusiastic about her chances.

“I'm pumped,” she said.

She could end up bowling 18 games or more over the course of the day, something Brown said she's not concerned about, having trained on weekend tournaments in a similar format to what she'll see at the individual championships.

“It's just like sprinters—they have to run over and over,” she said. “You have to get in shape for bowling, too. You have to be able to bowl a countless number of games, because you never know what situation you're going to be in.”

And given those hours upon hours of practice aimed at getting to her peak, Brown said the worst part might be the wait.

“I just wish it was Wednesday already,” she said.