Warriors return three all-conference bowlers.
By Mike Miazga
Correspondent
There is no shortage of quality bowlers returning this season for the Willowbrook girls team.
The Warriors are fresh off a 2016-2017 season where they went 8-3 in duals and took fourth in the competitive West Suburban Conference.
Leading the list of returners is three-time all-conference bowler Dana Sasenick, who averaged 183 last year. She led the conference with a 269 high game and finished third in the loop in conference average. As a sophomore, Sasenick advanced to the sectional round.
Junior Katie Pettinger also is back. She averaged 166 and was an all-WSC Gold bowler. As a freshman, Pettinger also advanced to sectionals. “Katie is our leadoff bowler and does an amazing job sparking the team,” said Willowbrook coach Kevin Allen.
Sophomore Makaylah Jones averaged 170 as a freshman last year and also was an all-conference performer. “Makaylah was a major piece to the team last year and had a direct impact, which helped the team make it to sectionals,” said Allen.
Junior Holly Helsper is back as well after averaging 161 in conference play. “Holly has put in a lot of work this off-season and is looking to have a breakout year,” said Allen.
Allen has noted some bumps in preseason scores from the likes of Sasenick, Helsper and Pettinger. “They have been really working hard in the off-season and trying to increase their scores,” he said. “During practice they have been putting up some big games. I am excited to watch them bowl this year because the sky is the limit for those three.”
Allen noted the program has seen a spike in participants, particularly at the freshman level where 12 new freshmen have joined the program. “We are all very excited about that,” said Allen.
Allen, whose team kicked off the season last weekend at the Plainfield Central invitational, said depth will be a major plus for the Warriors this season. “The team this year from top to bottom are all quality bowlers,” he said. “The girls all have been working hard on targeting and shot-making, especially in crucial moments of the game. Making quality shots under pressure is what we will continue to work on throughout the season. The girls all believe in each other’s abilities with confidence.”
And it’s that word confidence that Allen believes will take the team places this season. “In order for our team to have success this year we have to keep confident in our ability,” he said. “This is a long season and there are a lot of games and matches, so the girls need to stay relaxed throughout the season.”
With a more veteran roster, Allen said team chemistry is another asset. “The best part of our team is the camaraderie the girls have with each other,” he said. “Most of the girls have been bowling with each other for a few years now. This brings the girls together, which will help them during the long days at invites.”
Allen said the WSC will again be packed with strong teams. “Our conference always is very competitive,” he said. “This year will come down to the team that is most consistent. There are a lot of teams in our conference who can be looked at as the favorites. I believe we also are mentioned in the running for a conference championship, but this will be a challenging year with a lot of competition.”
