The girls bowling team has become known for its winning streak at the MHSAA Division 2 state final tournament.

Going into the state final Friday, March 3, the Hornets expected nothing less than to win — again.

And win they did — for a state record fourth championship in a row and their fifth title in the last six years.

Coach Rob Ploof, in an interview published by the MHSAA’s “Second Half,” said winning the title is thrilling.

“It never gets old, that’s for sure,” Ploof said.

As the No. 2 seed, Kearsley bowled against Bay City John Glenn, the No. 5 seed, in the state final match, and the Bobcats tested Kearsley early.

In the first Baker game, the Hornets were down 50 pins but came back in their second Baker game with scores of 208 to the Bobcats’ 169. Even though the Hornets improved, they were still down 379-369.

In the “Second Half” article, Ploof said John Glenn improved a great deal to make it to the championship match.

“Their (John Glenn’s) coaches did a fabulous job,” Ploof. “We bowled that team a couple of times earlier in the season, and they were nowhere as good as they were (in the state final). They pushed us right to the end.”

In the regular games, the Hornets blew it out of the water, getting a score of 931 to a competing 838.

Freshman Imari Blond led Kearsley, throwing a game-high 235.

Sophomore Alexis Roof and junior Emma Boychuk rolled a 197 and 195, respectively, while junior Barbara Hawes threw a 153.

The Hornets knocked down 1,299 pins overall, making them the Division 2 state champions, since  the total pinfall for Bay City John Glenn was 1,217.

Getting to the final match was easy compared to the test the Hornets encountered in the championship match.

When the Hornets began their qualifying round, they competed in eight Baker games and two individual games, qualifying as the No. 2 seed out of 18 teams.

They then went on to match play.

In round one of match play, Kearsley bowled against Armada. The Hornets won this round with a total pinfall of 1,316 to Armada’s pinfall of 1,210.

The Hornets moved to the semifinals, matching up against Charlotte. Kearsley defeated the Orioles handily 1,311-1,159, which propelled them into the championship match.

Singles Tournament

Individually, the Hornets also did well going into the singles state final Saturday, March 4, with five people and ending with three All-State bowlers.

Coming out of the qualifying rounds, Blond was seeded No. 1, Hawes was No. 2, and Roof was No. 5.

All of the Hornets won their first matches and lost their quarterfinal matches, ending their seasons.

But Blond, Hawes, and Roof’s top eight singles finish earned them All-State honors.

It was an all-around good weekend for the Hornets.

With a team state championship and three All-State bowlers, the Hornets have a lot to be proud of.

They kept the winning streak alive and hope to continue the streak for at least another year.