Friendship Christian girls capture DII state bowling title

SMYRNA - The suspense of the TSSAA Division II girls state bowling championship lasted until the final rolls of the final frame.

In the end Friendship Christian came from behind the edge St. Benedict 15.5-11.5 to capture the Midstate's lone team title.

"It was crazy," said FCS senior Madisen Strickland. "Even in the last frame, I thought we were losing. There was silence. We could feel the pressure building up. I'm so glad we won."

White House's boys finished runner-up in Division I while Creek Wood's girls were also runner-up.

The three points awarded for overall pins was the deciding factor in the DII girls final, with the Lady Commanders winning by just 15 (2,450-2,435). Friendship Christian came back from down 9.5 to 6.5 (and down 35 total pins) heading into the final game.

"I don't have the words," said Strickland, who bowled a 429 series. "It was all a blur. After we found out we won, it was elation. It's so great to celebrate with teammates after all the hard work."

Kennedy West, who a day earlier won the DII girls individual state title, led FCS with a 459 series.

White House's boys pulled off an upset in the semifinals to knock off Smyrna 16-11 before falling to defending state champ Hardin County16-11 in the finals. The Blue Devils' semifinal win and finals loss were almost mirror images of each other.

White House led Smyrna 12-4 (up by 187 total pins) after two games in the semis before falling down to Hardin County 12-4 (down 207 total pins) after two games in the finals.

"We were proverbial underdogs (against Smyrna)," said WHHS coach Tracy Lamberth. "We got off to a great start (7-1 lead). We kept the pressure on them."

Michael Frensley rolled a 275 game for the Blue Devils in the semifinals and added a 253 game in the finals.

"I thought our guys were in a good place (entering the match)," said Smyrna coach Carl Syler of the semifinals. "I don't know if White House wanted it more. Our kids bowled their hearts out, but unfortunately dug too deep a hole. We came back strong in the third game."

Josh Meeke rolled a 654 series for the Bulldogs (20-3).

Creek Wood's girls knocked off Walker Valley 17-10 in the semifinals before losing 23-4 to nine-time state champ Hardin County in the finals. It was the fifth state title in a row for the Lady Tigers.

"We don't ever feel like an underdog," said Creek Wood coach Scott Wright. "We always go in with confidence. Consistency with our six girls was a key to our success. The hard work the girls put in was a big factor."

Anna Lee Sesler's 574 series led Creek Wood in the finals.

Blackman's girls dropped a 19-8 decision to Hardin County in the semifinals.

Hardin County's depth proved to be tough for the Lady Blaze, who finished the season 17-3.

"It's hard," said Blackman senior and team captain Erika Sisk. "It's a little intimidating. We just came out and did the best we could."

Baileigh Snow had a huge match for Blackman, rolling a 718 series (including a 275 game) Sarah Sanes rolled a 612 series. However, Hardin County averaged a 540 series for the six bowlers.

Christian Brothers won the DII boys title with a 19-8 win over St. Benedict.

Reach Cecil Joyce at cjoyce@dnj.com or 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce.