Lake Zurich qualifies for state meet

For the first time in its seven-year history as a program, the Lake Zurich girls bowling team is off to the state meet.

The Bears advanced by winning Saturday’s Warren Sectional, totaling 5,244 pins. Grayslake North also made the cut for State, placing second with 5,206.

Senior Dani Sikorski led the Lake Zurich charge, finishing first overall with 1,354 pins for a rock-solid 226 average. Her best frame was a 279 in Game 3, followed by a 256 in Game 4.

“I can’t even express my feelings right now,” Sikorski said. “It’s really exciting to shoot these high scores in this environment — it’s amazing. And it makes it so much better that the team is advancing at the same time.”

Bears coach Mel Fox was equally stoked upon hearing the news that her team was a sectional champion.

“Oh, my!” she exclaimed. “I’m so happy, I can’t believe it. I thought we could do it, and now we’re going to State.”

Qualifying for the state meet as individuals were Libertyville senior Emma Davellis, who finished second overall with 1,238, and Grant’s Sami Jo Zak, who placed fourth with 1,157.