Thunder Keeps Rolling

Chalk up another Monsignor Martin Athletic Association regular season title for the Mt.St.Mary Thunder bowling team. On Tuesday, the Thunder posted a 4-0 win over Buffalo Seminary to run it’s match won/loss record to an astonishing 75-5 and an overall team record of 19-1 as they prepare to defend their playoff title at next Tuesday’s All-Catholic Championships. “We’ve had a pretty decent program for years,” coach Brian Fittry said. The Thunder varsity squad is comprise of without question the most complete five-girl unit in the league. Junior captain Bailey Huber carries a solid 155 average that is second only to sophomore teammate Molly Stonish’s 168. Stonish, by virtue of her top average, will take the league MVP. While Huber is a lock for first team All-Catholic. Junior Becca Weiss’s 149.8 is good enough for third on the team and fifth in the league. Right on Weiss’s tail is fellow junior Lilly Mueller who owns a 146. Grace Halt, the lone senior, has a 126 average on the season. Hitting at least 18 wins and only one loss for the second year in a row the Thunder’s lone defeat came at the hands of Mt.Mercy who beat them 3-1 on Dec.13. Fittry said the girls reacted like true professionals in the sense that the loss absolutely upset them, but they were able to put it to bed and learn the importance of always being prepared. Thanks largely to the way Huber addressed the team afterward.

“She summed it up, she made the comment that we are better bowlers than what we were that day,” Fittry said. “Since then these guys have constantly growing.”

The Mount got its revenge on Jan.19 when they dispatched the Magic in no uncertain terms, 4-0. With four underclassmen returning Fittry feels they have the talent to continue this run of success well into the next couple of years.

“They definitely set the pace for the future of the program,” Fittry said of his underclassmen.

Stonish, who had a spectacular freshman season, not only avoided the second-year slump, she improved from last year.

Fittry said he thinks a big reason for Stonish’s growth and a dazzling numbers in the fact that she seems more comfortable in the varsity setting and through the natural course of maturing as a young lady.

“I think this year she really feels comfortable being with the older girls treating her as if she were an upperclassmen,” said Fittry. “She’s the best bowler in the league and I think she’s starting to understand that and she’s getting more of a drive to get better.” Not just skilled, Fittry said each of his girls brings something special to the mix of the team dynamic. Leading the way is Bailey Huber who has a fierce competitive edge that keeps everyone striving to be her best.

Just as vital is Lilly Mueller whose carefree way reminds everyone, yes you wan to win, but

it’s also about having fun

“She’s the jokester whose sense of humor really relieves the tension,” Fittry said. Fun, according to Fittry, is the hallmark of MMAA girls’ bowling and said that the example of sportsmanship and supporting each other are always on display. No matter who is bowling. How high or low your average might be. Your skill level, Fittry said every girl walks onto the court feeling like they have a place in this league and that they belong. “The whole league,” he said. “Coaches, kids. Everyone tries to make it fun and a nice time.”