Pictured is the Waterloo High School girls bowling squad.

The Waterloo and Columbia high school girls varsity bowling squads each placed high enough at their respective regionals on Saturday to advance to the sectional round.

The Bulldogs placed fourth at the Herrin Regional, led by Lexi Ruemker. She posted a 180 average over six games. 

Pictured is the Columbia High School girls bowling squad. (submitted photos)

The Eagles placed fourth in the Belleville Regional played at Bel-Air Bowl, led by freshman Heidi Feix. She posted a 215 average over six games. 

Also advancing to this weekend’s Mt. Vernon sectional is Gibault Catholic High School bowler Taylor Hoylman, who posted a 173 average at the Herrin Regional.

Waterloo was able to advance this postseason despite losing two state qualifying bowlers from last year’s squad.

“I am very proud of their accomplishments this season. Some of the girls that have been on the team for multiple seasons (Lexi Ruemker, Lauren McVey, Helen Gregson and Sydney Menner) have taken leadership roles and helped out the newer members of the team (Sarah Rau, Bethany Holman, Megan Hanks, Alli Zilafro and Reece Diekmann),” Waterloo bowling coach Matt Beck said. “They have all taken advice well and worked hard to perfect their weaknesses.”

Waterloo went 6-5 in match play this season. The highest conference averages were junior Sydney Menner at 180 and Ruemker at 176.

Beck said the sectional will be tough, but hopefully his team can maintain focus.

“With the scores being very good from the teams and individuals that advanced through the three regionals, the sectional should be packed with talent,” he said. “We will have to follow the game plan, make quality shots, and continue to keep each other’s confidence high.”

Columbia bowling coach Keith Jeffery is equally impressed with his squad this season.

“Considering I have two girls bowling varsity that first started bowling last year at tryouts, I am amazed how well we are doing,” he said. 

The Columbia girls have won multiple tournaments this year, and since losing their first conference match of the year to Freeburg have won 14 straight matches, including avenging that earlier loss. 

The Eagles are led by Feix, who carries a 193 season average. Her cousin, senior Meagan Odum, is right behind her with a 190 average. Megan Jones averaged a 186 at the regional, and Alyssa Terry’s 172 average made for a solid team effort.  

“It was a huge effort and accomplishment to be advancing, especially in such a difficult regional with perennial powerhouses like O’Fallon, Collinsville, and the two Belleville teams,” Jeffery said.