Fulton County Ohio Media

Trailing the Bryan Lady Golden Bears by 83 pins after the three-game team match round of the NWOAL Tournament, the Swanton Lady Bulldogs rallied during the five-game Baker series to win the tournament 3155-3114. The Bulldogs bowled well in the team matches to start the Baker Games round in second place behind defending league and state champion Bryan. After tying the Bears in the first Baker game, Swanton began to chip away at the Bryan lead, beating the Bears 190-148 and 146-130 in games two and three to reduce the deficit to 25 pins. In the fourth Baker game, the Bulldogs took control, outscoring Bryan 180-117 and sealed the tournament title with a 153-150 win in the final Baker game.

Overall, Swanton topped second place Bryan by 41 pins, third place Liberty Center by 182 pins, fourth place Patrick Henry by 266 pins, fifth place Wauseon by 269 pins, sixth place Evergreen by 358 pins and seventh place Delta by 454 pins. Ivy Serres paced the Lady Bulldogs with a 543 series, Amy Lawson rolled a 489 series, Hannah Patch followed with a 468 series, Sarah Kohlhofer and Gabe Sieja combine for a 431 series and Haylee Didion had a 387 series.

Immediately after the bowling was complete, post-season awards were handed out. Named to the All-NWOAL First Team was Amy Lawson who garnered the honor for the third consecutive year. Ivy Serres was named to the All-NWOAL Second Team and Hannah Patch, Gabe Sieja and Haylee Didion received All-NWOAL Honorable Mention recognition.

“One of the most fun group of girls I’ve had on the team,” remarked long-time Swanton Head Coach Nick Staler. “Too bad they are all seniors,” he added. Coach Staler also thanked his assistant coach and daughter, Ashtin Staler who works mainly with the girls’ team. “Thanks for everything she does with these girls,” he said. “Now its on to Sectionals.”