Monroe coach sees learning season

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2:52 AM Monday, December 5, 2011

By Rick Cassano

Staff Writer

HAMILTON — The first tournament of the year didn’t leave Monroe High School girls bowling coach Patti Hurte with a bad feeling.

Her Hornets finished 11th among 20 teams Sunday in Hamilton’s ninth annual Big Blue Challenge at Columbia Lanes.

“I think it was satisfactory,” said Hurte, who’s coaching the squad with her husband, Tim. “We only have places to go, and that’s to move up. I think that we will this year. I think that we’ve got the talent and we’ll get there.

“This is still a relatively young program,” she added. “We’ve only been around for five years.”

Monroe totaled 2,665 pins to finish well behind team champion McAuley (3,836). Middletown placed sixth (3,135).

Taylor Sealock’s 141-139-150—430 series paced the Hornets, followed by Courtney Hartman (111-168-147—426), Abby Forkner (123-122-139—384) and Abbey Martin (136-127-117—380).

“It’s going to be a learning season,” Patti Hurte said. “I always tell them they have to use what’s between their ears and that’s not their nose — it’s their brain. They have to think. It really is a mental game. You have to have the confidence, and you can’t second-guess yourself.”

Middletown turned in a solid effort with Jacey McIntosh (186-156-159—501) and Bronte Woodlan (161-166-174—501) tying for team-high honors.

Taylor Harris (147-136-176—459) and Brittany Blankenship (145-150-135—430) were next for the Middies, who are currently 3-0 and face Monroe today at Eastern Lanes.

Only two bowlers in the Challenge cracked the 600 mark: Springfield Kenton Ridge’s Hannah Benston (243-203-195—641) and McAuley’s Alyssa Estep (182-233-202—617).

The Greater Miami Conference took five of the top 10 spots in the team standings. Beyond Middletown, Fairfield No. 1 was second, Mason was fifth, Hamilton No. 1 was ninth and Fairfield No. 2 was 10th.

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