The Lakeview girls bowling team has been lining up frames at Cortland Lanes since early October, gearing up for the start of the 2025–2026 season after last year’s strong run to districts. With that experience still fresh, the girls are focused on taking the next step and making a serious push toward the state tournament this winter.
The girls started their season at the Ravenna Girls Invitational, a tournament held at Spins Bowl Kent on November 22, ready for a packed house full of teams and noise. This tournament was their first chance to get a feel for the level of competition and set the tone for the beginning of the season.
Lakeview Teacher and Bowling Coach Dean Shanower said, “Going into the first tournament, my expectations were centered on effort, composure, and growth. I wanted to see how they responded to the competitive atmosphere rather than focusing solely on scores.”
The girls had a fun evening before they bowled the following morning. With some practice, sushi dinners, shopping, and crafting, they were ready to have a season full of bonding, friendship, and fun.
Junior Julianna Anderson explained that this is how she thinks of tournaments to lessen the nerves: “Before a tournament, I tend to remind myself to have fun and just bowl like it’s practice or hanging out with my friends.”
Nonetheless, the girls did not disappoint! Lakeview finished 4th out of 28 teams, earning a spot in the championship round, kicking down some of their conference teams, along with a few higher division teams as well. Although coming up short in the championship round, it was a huge way to roll into the season.
Sophomore Halle Lawrence said, “My favorite part of the tournament was getting to be with some of my favorite people and getting the opportunity to cheer each other on.”
Shanower was very pleased with his team and their commitment: “What stood out the most was their composure and maturity. Even when things got challenging, they didn’t panic-they communicated, stayed positive, and kept grinding. Their teamwork and ability to lift each other up was just as impressive as their scores.”
An incredible accomplishment for Julianna Anderson, who medaled and finished 5th individually out of a field of roughly 159 bowlers.
Anderson expressed, “When I medaled, I felt very accomplished, especially because of how much effort I put into my last game when not bowling how I wanted during the first two games. I was proud that I kept going and stayed positive!”
This tournament is just the beginning of an exciting season. There are so many other opportunities that the bowlers are looking forward to.
Juniors Maddy Ruddy and Mackenzie Totten both had the same response about this upcoming exciting season: “I’m most excited for making memories, and hopefully winning the NE8 Championship and making it to states.”
Shanower described some goals he has set for the team this year: “Our goals this season are to continue building on last year’s success and not just return to districts but compete to advance even further. We want to grow every week, sharpen our fundamentals, and be the most resilient and united team in the lanes. If we stay focused on improvement, accountability, and supporting one another, the wins and opportunities will take care of themselves.”
Come watch the girls in action at one of their upcoming tournaments: the Ed Zitnik Memorial Tournament at 10 Pin Alley on December 29th, the Trumbull County Bowling Championship at Freeway Lanes of Warren on January 4th, and NE8 Championship at Cortland Lanes on January 25th.
These beginning practices and first tournament truly reflect the effort, the energy, and the start of something big this season. You go, girls!
