Feb. 20--Two years ago, Joliet West qualified for the girls bowling state tournament for the first time thanks in large part to a talented group of sophomores. The Tigers placed 10th.
Last year, as juniors, that class helped Joliet West return to state and place eighth.
Now, the Tigers' seniors are in position to deliver the school its first title in any sport since 1990.
Joliet West opened a 133-pin lead over second-place Belvidere North on Friday at Cherry Bowl in Rockford. The Tigers -- led by top-20 performances by Gracie Plese, Taylor Bailey and Melissa March -- are one day away from the program's first championship and the first for any Joliet West team since the boys track and field team won the Class AA title 26 years ago.
Schaumburg (187 pins back), defending champion Lockport (213) and Oswego East (215) round out the top five.
Schaumburg freshman Kylie Frick was the only bowler to roll a pair of 700 series Friday to take the overnight lead, but eight others finished within 100 pins.
Freeport sophomore Sidney Hughes rolled the 12th perfect game in meet history. She finished the day in 10th place.
Girls bowling state tournament
At Cherry Bowl, Rockford
Day 1 leaders
1. Joliet West 6,383
2. Belvidere North 6,250
3. Schaumburg 6,196
Top individuals: Kylie Frick, Schaumburg, 1,432; Elizabeth Davis, Harrisburg, 1,403; Kayla Rossi, Warren, 1,373.
