2010-11 Bowling Preview

Heading into the 2010-2011 season, the women’s bowling team has six returners and five freshmen on the team. Leading the way for the returners is junior Nicole Corstange, who will be entering her third season competing for the Bulldogs. She improved her season average by eight pins from her freshman year, so look for her to continue to develop and lead this young team. Seniors Courtney Johnson and Jessica Shovan along with sophomores Shannon McKowen, Kristen Marcis and Janelle Post are all entering their second season with the team.

“I’m really looking for these returners to have a breakout year on the lanes,” said first-year head coach Jody Fetterhoff. “Last year we had two bowlers, Jessica Shovan and Kristen Marcis, crack the top ten in a tournament and Shannon McKowen finished twice in the top 20. Shannon and Kristen have been practicing really hard and I wouldn’t be surprised if they both finish top five in a tournament this season.”  

The freshman class is led by Chelsea Essenmacher and Emily Gesell. Both finished top ten in their state’s high school singles championships. Essenmacher was named to the Division 3 All-State Girls Team as well as to the Dream Team by the Michigan High School Interscholastic Coaches Association.

“Both Chelsea and Emily are great additions to the team and I look for them to have an immediate impact,” said Fetterhoff.”

 Jessica Stamper, Heather St. Onge and Lizzie Smith will also see significant action. 

The team will be competing once again in the American Heartland Conference, which consists of four separate tournaments and then the conference championship in February. Last year the Bulldogs had a second and third place finish, so Fetterhoff is looking to win one of the conference tournaments this year.

“We will also be competing in two NCAA events this year along with four other USBC Collegiate tournaments,” said Fetterhoff. “I’m looking for the team to make it to Sectionals again this year and improve upon their 47th place ranking from last year. I think we have a good shot at cracking into the top 30 this year. “

The team opens their season this Saturday with the first American Heartland Tournament in Dayton, Ohio. Eighteen teams will be in attendance including three teams that were ranked in the top 30 last year in collegiate bowling. This weekend will be a good indicator to see where the team will stand in the rankings this year. They are a young team with a lot of potential and with every practice, the team is making huge strides towards becoming a top 25 women’s bowling program.