Kerri Callahan rolls a record 298 and 766 series as Kellenberg girls claims CHSAA team title
Kellenberg’s Kerri Callahan after a strike in 10th frame of her 298 in Game 3 of CHSAA team championship at Wantagh Lanes on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024. Credit: Neil Miller
Whenever the lights are the brightest, Kerri Callahan simply opens the record books and jots down her name.
Callahan bowled a 244, 224 and 298 for a 766 series as No. 2 Kellenberg defeated No. 1 St. John the Baptist, 6-3, to claim the CHSAA girls bowling title on Thursday at Wantagh Lanes. Her 766 series and 298 in Game 3 are both league records, according to girls bowling coordinator Deborah Fahey.
“I think I just do better under pressure, when everything counts for more,” the sophomore said. “The pressure makes me more focused, gets me into the zone.”
Kellenberg and St. John the Baptist were tied at 2 heading into the third and final game. Callahan rattled off 11 straight strikes before splitting on her final throw, as the entire bowling alley watched in anticipation.
“I couldn’t feel my legs, my arms or much of anything,” Callahan said. “I don’t really know what happened on that throw, but the experience was great and I’m thankful for it.”
Chloe Horstmann rolled a 443 series and Colleen Tierney bowled a 412 for Kellenberg (13-2). Lillian Penfield had a 624 series for St. John the Baptist.
Callahan’s 766 series broke her own record set a season ago at the individual championship, where she rolled a 710 series and became the first girls bowler in the CHSAA to reach the 700 mark.
“This meant everything to me, I’ve worked at this for a while and I’m happy to have this accomplishment,” Callahan said. “I appreciate my team, they were amazing and we capped off a great season. “
St. Anthony’s boys win title
Lucas Bridges and No. 2 St. Anthony’s were able to pull out a close matchup, 5.5-3.5 over defending champion, No. 1 Chaminade. Bridges, a junior, had the top score for the Friars, with a 575 for three games.
Both teams knocked down 550 pins in the final game, resulting in half a point. The final margin came down to total wood, which St. Anthony’s had the advantage in, 3,280-3,267.
“We thought we were ahead by a few pins, but I was definitely nervous,” Bridges said. “I bowled a good game, but you only control what you can.”
The Friar’s (13-2) came out of the gate hot, earning two points after the first game. Bridges rolled a 211 in Game 1 and Dominic Forte rolled a 214. Forte finished with a 555 series. Daniel Tufano of Chaminade was the top scorer on the boys side, rolling a 185, 219 and 216 for a 620 series.
“Our team's chemistry is a big part of being able to get wins like this,” Bridges said. “We worked hard all year and it’s good to see that come to fruition.”
Christopher Matias covers high school sports for Newsday after spending time in Athletic Facilities and Operation at St. John’s and in Sports Information at CUNY York college.
