SP-F Bowlers Gearing Up for County Competitions

The tune-up continues for the Scotch Plains-Fanwood High varsity bowling team, rolling past Hillside 7-0 Monday afternoon at Jersey Lanes in Elizabeth. 

The Raiders, currently No. 4 in the Union County League standings, are gearing up for the county tournament, which begins next Monday, Feb. 1.

"It was a solid effort," said SP-F coach James Mason. "Everybody had a pretty good day today. We're looking forward to the challenges that are coming up."

The Fab Five were led by Katerina Nier, who scooped all bowlers with an impressive 646 series, her best of the season, beating a 626 series she had earlier this winter. She rolled a 213 in her second game and closed out with a 234, which was the top score in this match.

"In my final game, I had five strikes in a row," Nier said. "I really wanted to keep it going, but I think I pushed it out a little too far. I probably could have gotten more strikes, but I just didn't realize exactly where to put it, but I'm really happy with my series and it's my highest. I think I'm tied for second in a series in this league. I want to do even better."

"This is her fourth year with me and every year, she's gotten a little better," Coach Mason added. "But this year, with the added maturity, she's made a big leap. She's bowling super for us."

Peter Citera was his ultra-consistent self, bowling a 189, 193 and a 211 for a 593 series. Anchor Mike Tufaro finished with a 565, Greg Budis rolled a 558 and Nick Stawicki had a 530 series. The third game was impressive, as SP-F knocked down over a thousand pins.

"Balance has been the key to our squad all year," Mason said. "Whenever we need a big game from someone, we seem to get it."

"It's good to keep this consistent," added Citera. "All around, everyone bowled fairly decent. In bowling, consistency is always supreme. It keeps your confidence level high and we're looking to bring that confidence to our next match."

And that just happens to be against Linden, ranked No. 2 in the league standings.

"The kids know each other, so it's going to be a friendly rivalry," Mason said. "We're just looking forward to the competition. We want to bowl the best teams and see how we hold up."

Meanwhile, the county tournament is set for the 1st, 3rd and 5th of February, and don't be surprised if the Raiders show their muscles on those days.

"Everyone is excited and I think we'll do well in that too," Nier said. "We're all pretty good at Jersey Lanes rather than the other house. I think we should make it to the finals."