Recap of Hopewell’s Final Home Bowling Match

The Hopewell Vikings bowling team wrapped up their final home match of 2024 with an electrifying showdown against the undefeated Montour Spartans at Sheffield Lanes. Despite the men’s 5-2 loss and the women’s 7-0 defeat, both teams achieved significant milestones, capping off their home schedule on a high note.

Facing off against Spartans teams that hadn’t lost a single game in the 2023-2024 season, the Vikings men’s team delivered a spectacular performance. The intensity peaked as they won the first game 771-725, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. Montour fought back, claiming the second game, and the match’s destiny, including a share of first place in the section, hinged on the third and final game. The nail-biting match concluded in the tenth and final frame, with Montour narrowly securing the victory at 828-824.

The women’s team celebrated their own triumph, marking the first occasion this year where they were at full strength and had more than a full team of athletes available. With no seniors on the team, this achievement signifies a promising step forward for the program, anticipating continued growth.

Junior Colin Roessler continued his impressive streak, leading all Vikings with a series of 529, holding his own against the top three bowlers in the section. Sophomore lead-off bowler Brayden Mowry contributed a 184, while Reese Jacobs added a career-high series of 468. The entire Vikings men’s team bowled above their league average, making the match truly captivating.

The women were led by freshman Annabeth Sembower, showcasing a high game of 170 and a series of 467, while junior captain Jenna Willy contributed with a series of 372. Bowling against the top 5 female bowlers in the section, Annabeth and Jenna outperformed their opponents, each defeating Spartans team members with higher averages.

In Junior Varsity action, freshman Aiden Klette scored a career-high 153, while freshman Ayden Gault achieved a personal best of 150, surpassing it in the next game with an impressive 152. Junior Zach Hughes added his career-high series of 395 to the effort.

Looking ahead, the Vikings are set for their next challenge next Wednesday against Ambridge at Fair Oaks, where a victory for the men would secure second place in the section and earn a coveted WPIBL tournament bid.