Through:

Josh Rizzo

Sunday, January 30, 2022 | 11:01 a.m.

The Penn Hills bowling team is trying to lay the groundwork for future seasons.

The Indians don’t have enough bowlers to make an impact in WPIBL play. However, the bowlers they have on the roster have the opportunity to get plenty of work at the college level.

Freshman Nick Hepler showed progress for Penn Hills. He has an average of 170.33, which ranks him 11th in the section.

“I think he’s fine,” Indians coach Angela Hepler said. “It will grow as we move forward. There were also a lot of improvements with Olivia Grainy.

Josh Garland is Penn Hills’ only senior and has an average of 203.3, which ranks him fourth in the East Division. However, the rest of the Indian men’s team is filled with young bowlers.

Freshman Deklan Shiring, who has an average of 106.11, and Kadenn Truesdale, who has an average of 96.93, are helping Penn Hills build a foundation.

“We work a lot on reserve shooting in training,” said Angela Hepler. “When it comes to bowling, it’ll make or break you, how you get spares.”

On the girls side, Grainy averages 130.67 and has a game best of 159 and a high streak of 438. Grainy’s average ranks 11th in the section.

Penn Hills’ other female bowler, Keira Waldo, is a junior who has a high game of 115.

“She’s improved and she’s moved into a leadership role,” Angela Hepler said. “She tells other bowlers what to expect and encourages them. It’s helping our youngest daughter.

Angela Hepler said she hopes to continue developing the program starting this season.

“We hope things will continue in the spring and summer,” said Angela Hepler. “I’m here whenever someone wants to practice.”

Redeemer Lutheran has a bowler, Lucas Brown.

Brown, a senior, has the eighth-best East Division average at 176.83. Brown has a game high of 222 and a streak high of 558.

Women’s basketball tastes victory

The Indians snapped an 11-game losing streak to start the season with a 50-41 win over Kiski Area on Jan. 21 at home.

Penn Hills, who struggled with low numbers, was able to jump on the Cavaliers and never look back. The Indians took a 28-14 lead in the half and were never threatened in the second half.

Hannah Pugliese led Penn Hills with 18 points. Cara Crawford and Egypt Coleman also contributed 16 and 10 points respectively.

Penn Hills is 1-12 overall and 0-7 in Division 4-5A play.

Tags: Penn Hills