Garus' high game not enough, Amherst falls to Depew
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Amherst Central's inconsistency on the lanes continued in a road match with Depew last Wednesday at Broadway Sports Center.

Led by Justin Garus' 255-high game, the Tigers' "A" team took the second game from the Wildcats, 809-727, but were outscored, 814-670, in the third game to lose 6-1. Depew won by 514 total pins, 4389-3875.

"This is kind of been the theme the last couple of matches," said Amherst coach Jason Beckman. "We'll start slow then come back in the second game. If we had gotten it even going into the third game, we could have had momentum. We can't quite close the deal so far."

Dean Snyder (213) and Brandon Jeffords (206) also shot well in the second game for Amherst. But led by Jeremy Rajewski's 233 and Brian Kraft's 205, Depew's "A" squad was too strong in game three.

"Give Depew credit," said Beckman. "They bowled a pretty good third game when the pressure was on for them to hold on to the match."

"I told my bowlers 'they got the breaks in the second game'," said Depew coach Adam Nagy. "'We just have to relax and bowl your game the next game.' That's when my captains, Brian and Jeremy, got a little emotional and pushed us through."

Rajewski, a senior, finished with a 650 series. Kraft, also a senior, shot 585. Junior Matt Behringer added a 215 in the third game.

Depew's "B" team was also impressive, winning the third game, 736-540, and taking all three points in the match. The Wildcats "B" won by 354 pins, 2094-1740.

Junior Carl McKinnon (200, 571) and sophomore Kevin Alajako (211, 567) led Depew's "B" squad.

Garus, a sophomore, led Amherst with a 611 series.

The loss dropped Amherst to 0-4 while Depew moved to 4-1.

In earlier matches this season, the Tigers fell 4½-2½ to Tonawanda at the Tonawanda Bowling Center, 6-1, at Airport Lanes against Maryvale and, 7-0, at Arcade Lanes versus Pioneer. Jeffords rolled a 246 versus Tonawanda. Eric Michalski, the team's top average (183.5) heading into the Depew match, shot a 243 versus Maryvale and another 243 in the Maryvale Tournament.

Amherst girls

Depew's girls team was also too strong for the Lady Tigers (0-4), winning 7-0.

Despite not winning a point, Amherst coach Dennis Illig saw several individual improvements.

Lauren Williams, who was averaging 89 in her first three matches, shot a 441 series for a 147 average, including a high game of 165. Katie Fowler shot 40 pins over her 99 average, including a 141. Kristen Ortman averaged 30 pins higher, rolling a 116 average with a 131 high game.

Carolyn Sobol shot a career high 183 with a 377 series. Carol Powell made her debut after a back injury with a high game of 110.

Amherst's top two bowlers, Carolyn Trabert and Holly Johnson, had problems adjusting to the lanes and shot well below their averages. Trabert, who averaged 163 going in, averaged 144. Johnson, who averaged 191 after three matches, was at 173 against Depew. Johnson did throw a team-high 191.

Aryn Andrzejewski led Depew (5-0) with a 197 high game and 506 series.

Amherst returned to action Monday against Cheektowaga. They face Springville at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday at Airport Lanes.

e-mail: pnagy@beenews.com