GIRLS BOWLING: Bonner & Prendergast Wins Second Consecutive PCL Title in Match Against St. Hubert

Bonner & Prendergast 2024 Bowling Champions

(Photo by Kathy Leister for PSD)

PHILA, PA—It was a Deja-Vue meeting between Bonner & Prendergast and St. Hubert as they faced each other for a repeat performance in the Philadelphia Catholic League Championship final match on Feb. 17th at Thunderbird Lanes.

And it did not disappoint.

Hubert’s went undefeated (10-0) in the regular season and defeated fourth-seed Archbishop Ryan, 1616-1401 in the semifinals.

Bonner & Prendergast entered the semifinals as the third-seed defeating No. 2 Conwell-Egan by a close score of 1881 too 1866.

Led by second-team All-Catholic junior Alexis Horton and Philadelphia Catholic League bowling MVP and first-team All-Catholic sophomore Abby Gannon, the Pandas captured its second consecutive Catholic League title defeating St. Hubert, 1903 to 1764.

Horton rolled a game high of 235 in the second series match and a series high of 575.

Gannon ended the series with a score of 542.

The Pandas took control from the start and registered a three series victory with scores of 627-582, 642-582 and 634-600.

For the Pandas this season as being sort of the underdog did not deter them from keeping their sites on the final prize.

Head coach Mike Huhn commended his team’s hard work and dedication and stated that their high energy and momentum carried them all the way to the end.

“They didn't let the adversity of bowling the No. 2 and No. 1 seeds at their home bowling alleys deter them. We leaned on each other during the key pressure moments, and it resulted in our two highest series of the year in the semis and finals leading to our second consecutive title,” said Huhn.

Bonner & Prendie head coach Mike Huhn converses with team during championship match. (Photo/ Kathy Leister)

The anchors of Huhn’s team seem to be the driving force behind creating an atmosphere of success.

“Lexi (Horton) has finished second team All-Catholic in each of her three seasons.

"Lexi brought a veteran presence to our team as the oldest member and only one who has experienced multiple playoff runs before and her biggest moments have come in the playoffs including her high game of 235 and high series of 575 of her career in this year's championship,” said Huhn.

Bonner & Prendie's Lexi Horton talks about getting to the Finals and lauds her team's efforts all season.( Video/ Kathy Leister for PSD)

Bonner & Prendie's Abby Gannon was ecstatic and Felt confident that her team would make it to the finals again. (Video/ Kathy Leister)

“Abby (Gannon) led the league in average again this year and secured her second league MVP. She is that X factor because when you have the best bowler in the league you always have a chance to win a match. Abby led our team all year and really stepped up in our semifinal match shooting a high series of 607 which was 88 pins higher than the next closest bowler,” added Huhn.

Huhn expressed how each member of the team brought a unique talent in quest to that final match.

“Tamana (Suwan) showed consistent improvement all season in her first year on the varsity team improving her average by over 10 pins by the end of the season. The leadoff spot can spark the rest of the lineup and in game 1 the championship match Tamana threw one of her highest games of the year to help us get out to an early lead,” said Huhn.

“Cara (Schaffer) never bowled before joining our team in November as a Freshman. I could see Cara's potential from the beginning and knew she'd fill that last varsity spot and contribute to our playoff run. In the semifinals Cara had three key strikes in a row at the end of the last game to setup our last two bowlers to win that match and advance to the finals.”

The Bambies were led by first-team All Catholic senior Maria Hindman with a score of 560 and a game high of 205 in the third match.

First-team All Catholic senior Sam Ryan finished with a score of 469.

Both were extremely happy to be back in the finals once again.

St. Hubert's senior Maria Hindman was proud of her team's performance and for making it to the finals. (Video/ Kathy Leister)

St. Hubert's senior Samantha Ryan expressed how she felt about her team's growth these 4 years. (video/ Kathy Leister)

The Pandas are looking to make the most of this experience and intend to use their team’s youth to their advantage.

“Next year we bring back the same varsity lineup so it will be exciting to use the experience we gained this year to make another run at a championship and try to make it three in a row,” said Huhn.