Fresh Faces Play Key Roles as Girls Bowling Makes Playoffs
Chloe Cho ‘26 rolls a 112 to help Midwood top Frank J. Macchiarola Educational Complex 3-0 at Funfest Lanes on Sept 26. Photo: Continental Studios
By IRIS LIN
With only three returning seniors and seven brand-new faces filling the roster, the Girls Bowling Team stepped onto the lanes this year with more questions than answers – but plenty of heart. After graduating several key players last year, the team is undergoing a rebuilding process. Seniors Chloe Cho, Neri Liu, and Becky Lu had to step up not only as experienced bowlers, but also as leaders and mentors for their younger teammates.
“This year, for the first time in a while, we really had to go back to basics,” said Head Coach Mr. Michael Giordano.
The approach paid off, as the Lady Hornets still finished 8-2 during the regular season despite their youth and were able to make the second round of the playoffs.
Their journey ended on October 29 with a loss to Telecommunication Arts and Technology. In the first set, the A team girls fell short 547-455. In the second set, the B team came close, but ended up 17 pins behind, 381-364.
“This year’s playoff season was definitely more challenging compared to last year,” said Liu. “We faced a few obstacles, such as having fewer players and competing against teams with high scoring bowlers.”
Still, the season was a test of their grit and adaptability as the squad drew on their sense of sisterhood to overcome their lack of experience. Even if the team is full of new players, they are all connected through their sportsmanship.
“[The seniors] help me correct my mistakes during games and practice, so there isn’t much for me to worry about since everyone around me is very supportive,” said Yukie Lin ‘28, a first-time team bowler.
Amelia King ‘28, also new to the team, comes from a family of bowlers. “I felt somewhat nervous about joining the team, not sure that I was good enough,” said King. “But my coach and my teammates took me in and helped me improve my stance and gave me tips on how to become better.”
Correspondingly, the seniors leave behind valuable advice for the new players.
“Always keep your head up, build strong bonds with your teammates, try your best, and remember to have fun,” said Liu.
Similarly, Cho said, “Just be a communicative, respectful athlete and have a lot of fun.”
The bowling life is something that the new players have to adjust to, from balancing athletics and academics to figuring out methods to respond to the competition.
“It's like Coach always says, ‘Remember, you're a student athlete: student first, then an athlete,’" said King.
“I take my time and don’t rush myself, even if the pressure is high,” said Lin ‘28. “If I mess up the first time, I think back on my mistake and try to fix it.”
Practice for the Lady Hornets typically starts at 4:00 p.m. at Funfest Lanes and lasts around an hour for four days a week. Mr. Giordano often gives bowlers individual goals to work on.
The young team wasn’t able to uphold their undefeated record from the previous three years, facing losses to Brooklyn Tech and Leon M. Goldstein. “The loss to Goldstein was really unexpected, since we knew they were beatable,” said Liu. “But I learned how important it is to stay positive and bring good vibes to every game.”
Nevertheless, the girls finished number one in their division. “We have already made progress from the start of the season, which is proven by the fact that we had a chance to finish top ten in the city,” Mr. Giordano said.
“It’s been exciting and challenging, as it’s my first time bowling,” said Ellie Lin ‘27. “It’s been a big adjustment to compete with such high standards to uphold, but overall it’s been fun.”
Going into the playoffs, Cho said, “I want my team to feel happy no matter what the results would be and just do our best to leave with no regrets.”
The role Mr. Giordano plays in the growth and development of each Lady Hornet is no secret to the team.
“He knows when to be serious and when to lighten the mood,” said Lin ‘27. “[It] keeps us motivated and connected.”
“He doesn’t just teach bowling, but also how to build connections with each other,” said Liu.
“He’s not only our coach but also someone who’s striving for us, who actually cares about us,” said Lu.
In the end, bowling was always more about building bonds than the ratio of wins and losses. As the seniors learn valuable skills such as leadership while mentoring their younger teammates, the newcomers likewise learn to be sponges, taking in advice that will help them. What the team lacked in experience this year, they made up for in heart, teamwork, and determination.
The Lady Hornets celebrate Senior Night after sweeping Goldstein 3-0. Photo: Chloe Cho