Southern Tier Sports ReportSYRACUSE — Corning’s Kylie Downing earned a state medal, finishing fifth in Division I at the NYSPHSAA Individual Bowling Championships at AMF Syracuse Lanes on Saturday.
Downing had a 1,213 for six games, averaging 202.17 on the day.
Downing shot 203-204-212 in the first six games for a 619, she then shot 167-202-225-594.
“Being fifth place was a shocker,” Downing said. “I am very proud of how I stayed committed to what I was doing and didn’t break down like I would have in the past.
“Because I had 167 my fourth game and a year ago that probably would have broken my spirit and I’m proud that it didn’t today.”
The format of states was different this year, so Downing isn’t sure what she’d have been last year with this format. But, she knows this is her best performance at states.
“Individually last year I didn’t (place top 10),” Downing said. “The rulers were different last year. I don’t know, I probably would have been top 10 if they did it this way. I’m not really sure, but this is definitely the best outcome I’ve had.”
For Downing the goal wasn’t so much about the place it was about going out and competing with the best in the state and putting up good scores.
“I would say I was mostly looking to keep digging away at other people, because I know how good those other girls were,” Downing said. “I knew D1 is a much higher level of competition. But, I’m proud I was able to average 202.17, that’s above my average for matches, so I’m happy.”
Downing also added another honor on the day, earning the Section IV, Division I sportsmanship award.
————PHOTOS BY TIM TAYLOR.
