Shaler bowlers look to build on trip to regional tournament

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, December 13, 2018 | 11:24 PM

Previous Next

Previous Next

Following his team’s surprising run to the Western Regionals last season, Shaler Area girls bowling coach Shawn Pilyih had high expectations for the 2018-19 season.

Then, in the first section match, the Titans presented a strong opening salvo.

Shaler’s girls opened section play two weeks ago with a 4-3 victory over the defending section, WPIBL and Western Regional champion Butler.

“I think they are going to be a very positive and focused team,” Pilyih said. “They need to work on their spare shooting and improve their spare shooting better.”

The Titans’ (1-0) second match was canceled last week after Freeport dropped its bowling team.

Junior Bella Pilyih led Shaler by rolling a 620 series with a high game of 219 against the Golden Tornado. Shannon Roche also contributed, rolling games of 169 and 150. Senior Sydney McBurney, along with juniors Lindsay Gill and Ella Richards, also will be key contributors the Titans.

“It’s exciting,” said Bella Pilyih, who has reached the Western Regionals as an individual the past two seasons. “We’ve improved a lot. The girls have all shown they are focused. They want to improve, and we get along well.”

Pilyih has been focused on overcoming some of her physical issues to reach states. Sometimes, Pilyih feels an elbow issue hampers her shot.

“I usually can hit the mark, but I’m working on being consistent,” Pilyih said. “I’ve put in a lot of practice. I just need to keep my head up and not get down on myself.”

On the boys’ side, Shaler is hoping to qualify for the playoffs, as well. Senior captain Jason Wiggins, Joey Moneck, Michael Jesih, Charlie Nieder and Jonathan Zang will see time in the lineup.

“They are all returners, so they know what is to come,” Shawn Pilyih said. “We have two tough teams, Butler and NA. We’re going to battle them as best we can. We took a game off Butler last year, the only time they lost last season. Got off to a rough start, have their work cut out for them now.”

Challenging the other teams in the section for a playoff spot is a big focus for Wiggins. Shaler was swept in its opening match against Butler.

Wiggins said the guys are focused on making sure they have their shots down.

“Definitely with spare shooting we’ve improved since last year,” Wiggins said. “Every practice, our coach has the lefties shoot their seven pins and all the righties shoot their 10 pins. Once we feel we have our 10 pins down, we have to go for our seven pins. Coaches can’t stress enough making seven and 10s is our most important shot.”

Josh Rizzo is a freelance writer.

Tags: Shaler