The Fruitport boys bowling team is pushing hard to earn its third straight conference championship.
The Trojans took a big step in that direction on Wednesday by gutting out a tough 18-12 victory over Allendale.
The win left Fruitport in first place in the O-K Blue conference with a 6-1 record. Hudsonville Unity Christian is in second with a 4-1 mark.
Those two teams will square off next week in a huge dual match, then the championship will ultimately be determined at the conference tournament.
Unity Christian handed the Trojans their only conference loss so far this year.
[1]“Unity beat us at Northway earlier in the year, so a win at Unity is a must to take pressure off from us having to win the conference tournament,” said Fruitport coach Mike Weaver.
The Trojans got off to a terrible start against Allendale on Wednesday, losing both baker games and falling behind 10-0.
But they rallied in the regular games, winning the first 945-732 to earn four points, then gaining five more points with individual wins by Gage Wadland, Michael Hanson, Elijah Aldridge, Bradon Krohn and Jray Conklin.
Fruitport added four points by winning the second regular game 921-846, then tacked on three more with individual wins by Wadland, Krohn and Conklin.
The final two points came from having the highest team pin total in the two regular games.
Conklin had a great night for Fruitport, rolling games of 224 and 234.
[2]“This match was key in our mission to be three-time conference champions and we lacked the effort and enthusiasm to start the day,” Weaver said. “In the end we ground it out for a great win, which this team seems to have a knack for.
“We’re lucky to have Jray Conklin as an anchor and captain of the team to carry us consistently. Other bowlers stepped up in one game or the other. but Jray was again solid during the whole day.
The Fruitport girls also came up with a 22-8 victory over Allendale, despite having only four bowlers taking on their opponents’ five.
The Trojans split the baker games, then won both regular games.
Raegan Dykstra had her best outing of the season with 205 and 212 games. Brynna Hanson had a 213 game.
Nanomi Hoshino and Lil Borntreger each earned a point for the team with individual wins.
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