Hartland Girls Rolling Toward Solid Season While Boys Struggle in Bowling

The fortunes of Hartland High School's boys and girls bowling teams have been heading in different directions this year following a strong 3-1 start to the season for the girls and a rough 0-4 start for the boys.

Bob Brewer coaches the varsity girls team and its captains are juniors Sarah Schmitz and Sam Moesta, the only two returning varsity bowlers, and they have the Eagles in third place in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association West Division.

"The girls are doing well," boys head coach Ron Heck said. "Especially the (junior varsity) bowlers. A lot of them are lacrosse players, and they're athletically inclined. Next year is looking good. A few of them are going for lessons outside of practice and coaching to get better."

On Tuesday, the girls suffered their first loss, losing 20-10 to Brighton during a seven-team tournament at Century Bowl. Hartland's boys also lost, 22-8. The next game for both teams will be Thursday against South Lyon in Howell.

"For Thursday's game they will try and be more consistent and make the spares," Heck said.

Before the break, the girls defeated Pinckney on Dec. 17. Freshman Rachel Brewer bowled a 190 and 204 and Schmitz bowled a 170 and 171 to lead the team in scoring.

The girls finished with baker scores of 173 and 152 and tied Pinckney 15-15, but won on a tie-breaker. The girls team also fourth at a Dec. 11 tournament in Traverse City with Brewer finishing 12th as an individual.

"When it comes to bowling, I'd have to say the most important factor is teamwork, and remembering that you can't get down on yourself," Schmitz said. "Everyone has to cheer each other on even if they are on the other team."

Heck coaches the boys varsity team and senior Jason Baker is the team's captain.  The team has seven bowlers and is currently seventh in the KLAA West.

"We need a little more energy,"  Baker said after Tuesday's loss.

Senior Josh Blanchard is the team's best bowler and has been averaging in the mid 190s.

"We lost five seniors this year and we're struggling, but we're making improvements," he said.

For information on players individual stats and team performances, check out a website which features KLAA West info on the boys and girls.

Hartland Patch contributor Jennifer Whitbeck contributed to this report.

Editor's note: The story was updated on Jan. 6 to correct Rachel Brewer's grade and that the teams next play South Lyon. Brewer is a freshman.