Darren Kinnard
Section618.com

ROCKFORD — Herrin junior Madyson LaBotte’s first trip to the Girls State Bowling tournament in Rockford was a memorable one, as she brought home a medal. LaBotte finished 11th with 2498 pins in 12 games over two days for an average of 208. The top 12 individuals earn medals.

LaBotte was in second place, just eight pins out of the lead after day one, but with less than 100 pins separating the top 15 bowlers heading into the final round, the final day figured to be a wild scramble.

And it was.

St. Charles East’s Lida Burgos seized control early with games of 287 and 276 to start the day. She averaged 243 the final six games to finish with 2763 pins to take the title. Morgan LiCausi of Lockport Township was second, 72 pins back with Vandalia freshman Macy Jones finishing third, 153 back.

In addition to Jones and LaBotte, Freeburg senior Lauren Hunter finished eighth and Belleville East’s Julia Smith 19th, giving the 618 region four in the top 19.

In the team competition, the region had three finish in the top 12. Carterville wound up 12th, two spots behind Collinsville and three behind Mascoutah. The Lady Lions were led by junior Adrianna Bird who finished 54th individually with 2259 pins.

Lockport Township edged Joliet West by 33 pins to win the team title. Machesney Park Harlem was third, 97 pins back.

State Bowling is a single class competition, meaning all schools compete in the some tournament regardless of school size.