Close seconds

Both bowling teams from Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn were right on the heels of MMCRU for top spots at the Sioux Central Invitational. Four teams competed in the meet at Spencer Bowl on Dec. 5.

The H-M-S girls' team score was 2,047, which put them in second place behind MMCRU with 2,063. Emmetsburg and Sioux Central did not have team scores.

"Our girls' team was much-improved over the last two weeks and we are very proud of them for the efforts they made," said Hawk coach Julia Meyer. "The majority of the singles games were above their average as well as the Baker games."

Singles' scores were Keyanna Brower, 167-136 303; Meghan Larson, 144-149 293; Heather Elgersma, 146-132 278; Jordan Lux, 134-120 254; Annika Overmire, 113-139 252; and Lillian Van Loon, 95-120 215. Baker game scores were 119, 135, 143, 128 and 142.

"We are still looking for more sparing and consistency in the games, as we know that will be the key to getting the win," Meyer noted.

• Jack Mastbergen is top individual

Jack Mastbergen was the boys' top individual, bowling the high game and series. He rolled games of 254 and 203 for a singles' series of 457.

Other individual scores were Eli Mastbergen, 173-160 333; Graham Lux, 149-181 330; Caleb Aaron, 194-129 323; Damian Dodge, 180-134 314; and Dawson Niichel, 158-147 305. Baker game scores were 213, 197, 218, 158 and 147.

"The boys improved on their spares and strikes, and playing as a team. We've got to keep the momentum throughout the match and not run out of steam, but that will come," Meyer observed. "We are getting a better percentage of spares and strikes in the singles games as well as the Baker games."

MMCRU came from behind to top H-M-S, 2,775-2,690. No team scores were reported for Sioux Central or Emmetsburg.

For the benefit of those not familiar with the term "Baker game," Meyer explained it is "a single game bowled by five team players, where a bowler bowls every fifth frame and bowls only two frames per game."

H-M-S bowlers are off until after the holiday break.