By: James McKeever
A coach in any sport at any level is always striving to have his or her team playing better at the end of the season than at the start.
That’s exactly what happened to the South Brunswick High girls bowling team.
Short on experienced bowlers coming into this season, Vikings coach Tara Burniston termed this a rebuilding year. South Brunswick did take some slumps in an up-and-down campaign that produced an 11-14-3 record, but Burniston was happy with the way her team finished.
"We came together as a team," she said. "And we tied East Brunswick for the Sportsmanship Award in the GMC Red Division, which is a satisfying accomplishment. So I thought the season went well."
The Vikings will only lose one senior, so look for this group to make big strides forward next season, especially with the kind of experience that was gained this winter.
Near the end of the season it was easy to see how South Brunswick had improved. Seeded 11th in the GMC Team Tournament, the Vikings surprised sixth-seeded Colonia with a 2-1 victory in the opening round. The Vikings lost to third-seeded Edison in the quarterfinals.
Then in the NJSIAA Central Jersey Sectional, South Brunswick turned in a respectable ninth-place showing in a field of 30-plus teams.
"I thought it was important that we made it to the second round of the GMCs. It showed that we were stronger," Burniston said. "By the end of the season the kids were clicking. They were starting to understand that you have to be intense and focused while keeping it fun."
Personal honors went to junior Mary Lynn Olsen and freshman Allison Nagle, who earned spots on the GMC All-Red Division team.
Olsen, who advanced to the second round of the GMC Individual Tournament, finished with a 163 average. She rolled a 244 high game and 606 high series, both team-leading totals. Nagle led the team with a 164 average. She recorded a 592 high series and 225 high game.
Nagle enjoyed the opportunity to bowl on varsity with her sister Meghan, a junior who averaged 160 (highs of 548 and 212).
Christine Kelly was the team’s only senior. She recorded a 155 average while rolling highs of 541 and 215. A junior varsity bowler her first two years, Kelly showed great improvement in her varsity career, according to Burniston.
"Christine is a team player who knows how to be a leader," the coach said.
Sophomore Yasmin Ulloa showed flashes of brilliance. She fired off a 210 game and a 531 series while averaging a 150. The final slot in the Vikings’ rotation was split between sisters Michele and Jen Tamulevicz. Jen, bowling in high school for the first time, is a junior who rolled a 179 game in the GMCT victory over Colonia. Michele is a freshman.
South Brunswick’s future appears in good hands.
"We’re excited about next season," Burniston said. "It’s a shame Christine won’t be back because she’s a good role model. But everybody else is back."
