March 4, 2023

FORESTERS SWEEP CROSSROADS LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIPS

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - The HU bowling program had a dominate performance over the weekend to sweep the Crossroads League Championships. Held at Western Bowl in Indianapolis, the championship tournament featured 12 Baker games with the top four scoring teams moving on to a bracket style best of three match play to determine the winner.

The Huntington women were strong all day to grab the top spot in match play with a qualifying score of 2160 with Spring Arbor, Marian, and Bethel also moving on to the finals.

The Foresters got off to a slow start against 4th-seeded Bethel having dropped the first set, 163-156, but then bounced back with two consecutive wins, 184-181, 196-160, to advance to the championship match against Spring Arbor who had ousted Marian in two.

HU made quick work of the Cougars in the first set, 182-160, before outlasting them in second set, 196-192, for the shutout.

"I am really proud of the girls," said Coach Mike Shockey. "We felt like we had something to prove after a disappointing last couple of tournaments. We shot spares really well and that made a huge difference in the outcome.

"I'm pretty sure Spring Arbor struck more than we did, but we refused to give away pins by missing spares. Our women's team has the talent to win any given weekend, but this was the most complete team bowling we have had all year."

On the men's side, HU qualified for match play as the third seed with a total pinfall of 2231. Marian (2410) was the top seed, Spring Arbor (2329) took the second spot and Mount Vernon rounded out the bracket as the fourth seed.

Against SAU in the semifinals, Huntington needed three sets to win, 167-169, 207-157, 178-170, before taking on a Mount Vernon squad that upset Marian 2-1. HU took control early in the finals and didn't look back to cruise to the 2-0 win, 168-126, 181-132, over the Cougars for the title.

"I am so proud of the guys," said Shockey. "It was nice to get the win, but to see the guys perform in a tournament like we see them during the week at practice was the most rewarding part. The guys have worked hard this season and came together to bowl as a team."

The Foresters wrap up the season this weekend at ITC Sectionals slated for March 10-12.