Carrollton girls bowling eyes ninth straight trip to state

The Carrollton High Lady Warrior bowlers roll into the 2025-26 season intent on keeping one streak alive, but with plans to go even further than last year.

After placing second to archrival Minerva in both the Eastern Buckeye Conference and the Stark County High School Bowling Conference’s American Division, Carrollton had the last laugh at the East District tourney where the Lady Warriors qualified for the OHSAA Div. II State Championships for an eighth consecutive year.

True, Carrollton did not advance to the finals as they finished 13th overall, 169 pins back of the eighth and final spot. This season, however, seventh-year coach Wendy Russell and company are shooting to return. After all, it was only February 2024 that the Lady Warriors made an appearance in the finals – and then-sophomore Kaylee Russell won the Div. II individual state title.

Now a senior, Kaylee is on the hunt for another title. And while she and the program may have bid farewell to two departing bowlers, some returning talent and an infusion of new blood should have Carrollton still competitive.

First, the Warriors need to replace the sizable holes left by Hailee Ulman and Ivy Slutz. Ulman, who carried a 190.56 average, was named first team in both the EBC and the American Division, while Slutz (156.67) received honorable mention recognition from both.

Returning for the Warriors are Russell (183 avg.), who was first team in both the EBC and the American Division, as well as fellow seniors Zara Bullock (144), Emma Brown (140), and Sammy Bajornas. Both Bullock and Brown were named honorable mention in the American Division, while Brown was also awarded honorable mention in the EBC.

 With all that firepower, Carrollton racked up an impressive 15-3 overall record last season while going 8-2 in the American Division and 6-2 in the EBC.

“We have four strong varsity returning letter winners and we are adding strong freshmen to our lineup this year,” said Wendy Russell. "I’m looking forward to watching this team work together this year to accomplish their goals.”

Those freshman include Lilly Kruprzak, Carrie Hawk, and Jocelyn Burkhart. The season may be young but Russell is already impressed with her newcomers’ abilities, saying the “three freshman show a lot of potential and have already started out strong at practice.”

Look for one of the best local rivalries to renew itself as the Warriors and Lions butt heads again in both the American Division and the EBC and Carrollton shoots for a ninth straight appearance at state.

It’s only one match, but the Warriors looked sharp Nov. 18 as they welcomed GlenOak at Atwood Lanes. Carrollton clipped the Golden Eagles 2,010-1,484. Russell looked like she was in midseason form, rolling games of 202 and 191 for a 393 series that led all bowlers. Brown posted a 354 series (197-157) and Hawk logged a 322 (164-158) as the Warriors raced to a commanding 418-pin lead following the series. In the two Baker format games, Carrollton won both, 140-105 and 184-111.