Depth makes the difference for Reavis

Updated: March 23, 2011 9:28AM

For Reavis girls bowling coach Kathryn Ryan, the toughest job this weekend may be filling out her lineup.

After all, Ryan has seen all her bowlers take turns stepping up to lead the team.

"They're all capable of coming through with a big game and leading us," Ryan said. "It's awesome. It makes my job so much easier."

In winning Saturday's Hinsdale South Sectional in dominant fashion, the Rams had the top three bowlers in the individual standings. Senior anchor Alex Stryszak took the sectional crown, followed closely by teammates and fellow seniors Beth Bogdanich and Nikki Zarnecki.

Junior Cori McVeagh was not among that top three, but two weeks earlier she was the one leading the Rams to the South Suburban Red title by taking the individual conference crown.

Reavis hopes its depth will pay off at this weekend's state tournament at Cherry Bowl Lanes in Rockford. The Southland will be represented by four teams and four individuals.

The Rams will be appearing in their 12th state tournament, with their best finish a runner-up performance in 1989. Bogdanich and Stryszak saw limited action the previous time Reavis qualified, in 2009.

"I'm really happy they get to go back their senior year," Ryan said. "Our three seniors are great leaders and I'm really sad they're going to be leaving. They've worked really hard. They bowled over the summer, took lessons and really went the extra mile. I'd like to see them have a good performance this weekend that they can take with them through life."

Ryan said her goal is to crack the top 12 and make it to the second day of competition.

"We just have to stay positive and know we can count on each other," she said.

According to Bogdanich, that shouldn't be a problem.

"Our team has come together so much this year," she said. "We work really well together and that helps a lot."

Andrew lacks the experience Reavis has, without a senior in its lineup, but the Thunderbolts bring a talented squad to Rockford.

Sophomore Nicole Zopf, who finished third at the Andrew Sectional, and junior Ashley Stefanski lead the way for the SouthWest Suburban Red champion T-bolts.

"We're shooting to make the second day," Andrew coach Julie DeChene said. "To do that I think we just need to do more of the same. (Saturday), they talked well and helped each other. They read the lanes well. They made spares. We just need to keep that up."

Bremen is the lone Southland squad making its second straight appearance at state, though the Braves lack experience after losing all five starters from last year's 12th-place finisher.

Senior Nikki Hulsey and junior Jessica Lundeen have helped the young Braves come on strong late in the season, capturing the South Suburban Blue title and the Morgan Park Sectional crown.

After qualifying for state 10 straight years between 1997 and 2006, Morgan Park is back for the first time since.

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