Price set to do her thing at state bowling tournament

Finding her groove on whatever lanes she’s bowling on is what Abby Price does pretty well.

Price, a Newton High junior, qualified for her first Class 2A state bowling tournament a week ago finishing third in a 2A district tournament at Ottumwa’s Champion Bowl. She rolled a 425 series, which was the ninth-highest score across the state of Iowa in 2A and the top 12 individuals advance to state.

“I’m was so excited when we were sure I qualified. This is very exciting,” Price said.

“I’m going into the state to do what I normally do and don’t worry about what other bowlers are doing. Let the scores play out themselves and see what happens,” Price said.

Price talked about her goals going into her third season of Cardinal bowling. She wanted to bowl 200 every game for a 400 series each meet and have an opportunity to go to state.”

Price came close on the first two goals and that resulted in her first state tournament competition. She finished with a 181.3 game average and a 362.6 series average this season.

Price bowled a high game of 225 on Jan. 28 and her high series of 418 was on Dec. 21. Both came on her home lanes at Cardinal Lanes.

She starts rolling at the Iowa Class 2A girls’ state tournament at 10 a.m. Tuesday. The combined tournament for 2A girls and boys is at Cadillac XBC in Waterloo. The 1A tournament is Monday and 3A is on Wednesday.

“I’ve been working on doing my thing — get strikes and if I can’t get the strike, picking up spares,” Price said. “When I get up there to bowl, it’s about slowing down, taking a deep breath and focusing on what I’m doing not what others are doing.”

Price has been the top bowler the past three years for Newton’s girls. She was the Two Rivers Bowling Conference champion this season and won the Cardinal Invitational — Newton’s home tournament.

Although it is a team sport, bowling also is an individual sport.

“It’s all about what you do yourself up there. No one else can do it for you. You do your best which in turn helps the team as a whole,” Price said.

All state bowling tournament spectators kindergarten and older must purchase a ticket. Children not yet in school will not require a ticket. Cost is $10 per session.

Doors will open 90 minutes prior to the scheduled start each day for fans that purchase tickets online in advance. Doors will open 60 minutes prior to the scheduled start each day for fans wishing to purchase tickets on-site. Wristbands will be distributed at the door as fans enter to facilitate re-entry.

Contact Jocelyn Sheets at
641-792-3121 ext. 6535 or jsheets@newtondailynews.com