Portage bowlers ready for another run

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Portage's Jackie Rhoda practices Monday afternoon at Inman's in Valparaiso.| Jeffrey D. Nicholls~Sun-Times Media

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Updated: February 26, 2012 8:12AM

When the Portage girls bowling program was competing at last season’s Indiana state finals, four of the girls on this season’s squad were bowling on the junior varsity team.

But the young lineup, made up of just one senior, cruised to a conference title and also won this past weekend’s NWI Region Rumble in Michigan City — finishing ahead of Lake Central as it did at the Post-Tribune Bowl O’Rama to open the season.

Now the Indians will attempt to take their success to the next level when they compete in the Porter-LaPorte Sectional on Saturday at Inman’s in Valparaiso, where they will compete for just one advancing spot to the Michigan City Regional on Feb. 4.

“I’ve seen tremendous improvement this year with the girls,” Portage head coach Debbie Gossett said. “They have good chemistry — the best I’ve seen on a team. They’re so much fun to be around. They’re funny, they’re good sports, and they don’t cry when they lose. It’s hard to explain; they’re just good girls.”

Those good girls include senior Jessica Morris, junior Caitlin Pidgeon, sophomores Kodi Soloman and Nicole Walton and freshman Jackie Rhoda — the daughter of local standout bowler Gina Pritchett and granddaughter of the late four-time PBA champion Gene Rhoda.

“Oh my gosh, this has been great experience,” Rhoda said. “Coach Gossett is so fun. She gets us fired up and we do our cheer and get pumped. We just have to stay focused and bowl the way we’re capable of.”

Gossett said that Rhoda’s competitive spirit is undeniable.

“That passion is definitely in her blood,” Gossett said. “Her mom has also been helping (assistant coach) Mike (Plance) and me. Mike is a godsend to the program and Jackie is a great addition to the team. But all my girls are leading by voice, and they’re all steady bowlers who average between 170 and 180.”

One of those 170 bowlers, Pidgeon, stepped up big at the Region Rumble, rolling a 424 series in two games, while Rhoda struck out in 10th frame after being set up by Walton to edge Lake Central.

“Winning the Region Rumble was exciting,” Pidgeon said. “We just can’t get caught up with what the other teams are doing.”

But at the sectional, Gossett said she’s not underestimating Portage’s prime competition for that lone advancing spot, LaPorte.

“We have our work cut out (for us),” Gossett said. “They’re a strong team which will challenge and push us. They’re cut not going roll over. But my girls are working together as a team, and we’re excited about this weekend.”