Girls Bowling: Stricklin finishes tops for Southern Illinois at State Meet

Rebecca Stricklin placed 22nd out of 150 players at the IHSA Girls Bowling State Finals over the weekend.

Stricklin, a sophomore, was in 17th place after six games on Friday, but started slow on Saturday, falling to 36th place after three games, only to rebound for her 22nd place finish.

"I'm so proud of how Rebecca competed all weekend," head coach Doug Cottom said. "She was really thrown to the fire on Saturday morning, by being placed on the same block of lanes with the team leaders, which had all the best players in the state right there together.

"It was a true learning experience for Rebecca," Cottom added. "She came away knowing that she is just as good a player as all the girls, once she gets her nerves and emotions under control in that environment, she will be tough to beat. It was a really nice close to a great season for her."

Stricklin averaged a 207 score for the 12 games she bowled at the state competition.