Smyrna boys, Hardin County girls capture DI state bowling titles; Friendship Christian sweeps DII

SMYRNA — Smyrna freshman Elizabeth Coutta admitted she was nervous bowling with the Bulldog boys team this season.

As it turns out, Coutta was one of the major reasons the Bulldogs captured their fifth TSSAA Division I state bowling championship.

Coutta won all three of her points in impressive fashion, leading Smyrna to a dominating 21-6 win over two-time defending state champ Hardin County in Saturday's finals.

"I was nervous that I would have a hard time keeping up," said Coutta, who was one of the Bulldogs' leading bowlers after not fielding a girls team. "I knew with this being (the seniors') last year, I really wanted a chance to win the state. It feels great."

Hardin County's girls continued their recent dominance, capturing the DI girls team title for the sixth consecutive season (10th overall).

Friendship Christian's boys won their third overall DII title,in while the Lady Commanders won their second straight DII championship.

Smyrna completed a perfect (23-0) season after coming close the previous two seasons (finishing runner-up in 2017 and semifinalst in 2018). It was the Bulldogs' first state title since 2011.

"It took so long," said Smyrna senior Xavier Powell-Short. "We've practiced so hard. I love these guys so much. It's a great feeling."

The weekend was a good one for Smyrna senior Josh Meeke, who won the DI individual state title and was also named Mr. Bowler on Friday.

"I'm relieved," Meeke said. "After all these years, we finally got it. We've been so close. We lost (to Hardin County in the finals) my sophomore year, so it was good that we had this matchup."

Meeke finished with a 709 series in the finals while Coutta added a 655, Aaron Roe fired a 636, Timothy Smith a 615 and Powell-Short a 609. Brenton Pipes fired a 622 series and Jacob Short a 611 for Hardin County (18-1).

Smyrna dominated from the outset, winning 7-1 in the first game and ultimately winning total pins by 373.

Hardin County's girls (18-0) brought another trophy back home with a 23-4 win over Bartlett in the finals. 

"It means a lot to be able to come out and help the girls win and continue the streak," said Hardin County sophomore Kailee Channell, who fired a 622 series in the finals. "It's still pretty exciting (after six titles in a row). It never gets old."

Individual state champ Faith Welch had a huge series in the finals, firing a 731 series, including games of 279 and 257. Jordan Mundt's 233 game paced Bartlett (19-2).

Friendship Christian (15-0) defeated Pope John Paul II (11-2) 16.5-10.5 in the finals, thanks to a 205 game from Olivia Van Hooser and a 190 game from Allyson Stallworth. Katie Dorr's 173 game paced JPII.

The Commanders (17-0) downed St. Benedict 18-9 in the finals. Four FCS bowlers shot 200-plus in the decisive second game (Bradley Emerson 226, Brenden Schwab 219, Taylor Fielder 210, Grayson Hemontolor 202). Riley Martin's 207 third game paced St. Benedict (15-3).

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

INDIVIDUAL TITLES:Seniors capture first TSSAA state individual bowling championships