GIRLS BOWLING: SBHS is poised to be one of the elite teams in what may be the toughest conference in all of the Garden State.
By: Redd E. Patrick
There’s something big brewing at South Brunswick High School.
Why, it’s the girls bowling team.
The Vikings established themselves on a local and state level this season, but according to fourth-year coach Mike Andrusiewicz, that’s just the beginning.
"The girls had an outstanding season," said Andrusiewicz. "And right now, our program is gaining momentum. Next year, I think we should be among the top two teams in the GMC."
That’s a mouthful since the GMC, with perennial powers such as Edison, Woodbridge, Colonia and South Plainfield, among others, make it arguably the toughest conference in the state.
There were plenty of highlights this season for the Vikings, who mixed youth with experience, as they:
Finished 11-4 and took third in the Red Division of the GMC behind state powers Woodbridge and Edison.
Took fifth at the prestigious Central Jersey Winter Classic.
Finished sixth at the Central Jersey Championship.
Reached the semifinals of the GMC Tournament and took Edison to a third game in a best-of-three series and were leading heading into the eighth frame.
Had three girls qualify for the GMC Individual Championship (only 20 make it) in Lisa Hanan, Emma Burtenshaw and Julia White.
"On paper, we were fantastic, but we could have done even better," said Andrusiewicz. "But overall, I was so pleased. We had so many kids step up the plate and contribute."
White, a four-year captain, had the highest average at 163.7, but she was followed closely behind by three sophomores in Burtenshaw (162.7), Cyndi Fregoni (159.2) and Hanan (145.5). Junior Sheena Olsen averaged 142.7, freshman Lisa Nicolaison 125.2, while Stacy Kasdin, just one of two seniors on the team, was at 117.6. Freshmen Laura Smith averaged 108.9, while Ashley Carter finished at 101.5.
"We feel very good about the program because we were able to get a lot of young kids good experience, so next year, while they step up, we will have more youngsters coming in to keep the program going like that. We lost Julia, who was a mainstay for four years, but we have so many young, dedicated kids who we feel will make up for that loss. We feel we definitely be stronger next year. We’re gaining momentum."