February 20, 2019 at 1:05 p.m.
Alexis Kriesel cashes in for Hodags at district bowling tournament
Alexis Kriesel cashes in for Hodags at district bowling tournament
Kriesel bowled a strong 225 game to open and had a four-game series score of 661 pins to place fourth in Division D of the tournament. The top five bowlers earned scholarship money in the division, which was for District 9 members who filled fewer than 44 percent of the frames they bowled during the regular season. Kreisel won $133.
All but one of the members of the Hodag high school and middle school teams took part in the three-day event held at Hodag Lanes.
"They all participated and had a good time," coach Mike Bourcier said. "We would have hoped to have done a little better, but it was a tough field this year. You had to be on your game, even more than what you're normally are."
Approximately 110 bowlers took part in the event, separated into divisions based on season-long fill percentage.
Kriesel's opening game of 225 was 12 pins better than her season high in Hodag Junior League play and was the second-best game overall in Division D.
"The first game was obviously that jumped her into (the running)," Bourcier said. "She started with that 225 game, which was awesome. I think that might be her new (career) high. The parents around her said that was fun watching her. She was throwing strikes left and right. That was really good. She had a good start to her tournament there."
Katrina Blasius and Mackenzie Bourcier, bowling in the top division, had the highest scores for Rhinelander over the weekend, but did not factor into the money. Blasius bowled a 789 series with a 212 high game, while Mackenzie Bourcier rolled a 769 series with a 213 high game, as they placed 15th and 20th, respectively in Division A. It took an 864 series (216 pins/game) to place in the top seven and finish in the money in the top division.
"Katrina was high there. Both she and Mackenzie were averaging 190-plus, which is above their year-long averages," Mike Bourcier said. "Unfortunately, it wasn't quite enough for them, but they did well. They kept their opens down to a minimum. They exceeded their fill percentages. They were in 80-plus fill percentage."
Calvin Schneider was 23rd in Division A for the Hodags with a 748 series.
Kody Litzen, still struggling with a knee injury sustained following the first round of the conference team tournament a couple of weeks ago, was Rhinelander's top bowler in Division with a 202 high game and a 742 series, which placed 12th in class.
"Kody did well for having his knee issue still," coach Bourcier said. "He can't put a lot into it or do a normal approach. He did really well for having his injury that's kind of hampering him some."
Cody Bednarz (15th, 712), Jacob Wagler (18th, 696) and Jeremiah Braun (20th, 690) rounded out Rhinelander's contingent in Division B.
Bella Walkowski had a 654 series and placed ninth for the Hodags in Division C, finishing two spots out of the prize money in that class. Jeremiah Bellow was 16th in Division C with a 629 series.
The majority of Rhinelander's middle school team competed in Division D. Calvin Welch was 11th (542), Johanna Dellenbach was 13th (522), Alex Hall was 16th (474) and Cody Hall was 19th (322).
"They bowled right around their averages. That was a good experience for most of them as it was their first time bowling in it," Mike Bourcier said. "Having home field advantage helped a little. They were comfortable and could relax. That definitely is a plus for them."
The season is winding down for the Hodag bowlers. Mackenzie Bourcier qualified for the WiHSBC State Championship, which takes place March 1-3 at Ashwaubenon Bowling Alley in Green Bay. She will also take part in the Wisconsin All Start Team Challenge March 9 in Neenah.
The Rhinelander Middle School team's conference meet is set of March 17 in Plover.
Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].
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