On February 7, the Bayonne High School girls bowling team traveled to Bowler City in Hackensack and won the Group IV North Jersey Sectional Tournament.
It was not the usual trip for the girls’ bowling team, as they traveled to bowl in the NJSIAA State Sectional tournament presented by Bollinger Sports Insurance.
“As soon as we entered the lanes the team had a strong sense of calmness to them. They knew that they had put in a lot of work all season, and set out to bowl their best.” said Martin Gurczeski, who is in his first season as head coach.
Following a successful regular season campaign where the Bowling Bees won the divisional title, the team bowled and qualified for the Hudson County Tournament semi-final.
Team Co-Captain Junior Carolina Hernandez said “…Mr. G has given us the confidence to recognize that as long as we accomplish what we set out to do, we can walk out of the bowling alley with our heads held high.”
The team’s other Co-Captain Sophomore Rachel Gonzalez didn’t want to let their accomplishments distract them from the week ahead, “We want to win the Hudson County Title, then travel to New Brunswick Friday for the State Finals and represent our school with pride.”
Principal Richard Baccarella said “the Bayonne High School community is so proud of Coach Gurczeski and the team for their accomplishment. This year’s team continues to build upon the tradition that was created by Coach Dandrea and set the bar higher and higher for student athletes here at Bayonne High School.”
Dr. Patricia L McGeehan added, “I am proud of our student athletes and their accomplishments this season.”
The girls’ team bowls again at Hudson Lanes in the Hudson County Tournament Semifinal. If they advance, they will continue on to Bowl Rite Lanes in Union City before traveling to Brunswick Zone Carolier in New Brunswick to face the winners of the other sectional tournaments.
From left are Reilly Miller, Kristine Jacobs, Rachel Gonzalez, Alexus Porch, Carolina Hernandez, Sami Jo Hassan, Jennifer Nicolletti, and Head Coach Martin Gurczeski.
Group IV Final Results
Bayonne 2265
** Bergen Tech 2112 (tie)
** Hackensack 2112 (tie)
Clifton 1867
Ridgewood 1861
North Bergen 1860
Bloomfield 1825
Dickinson 1786
Passaic 1740
Montclair 1691