MICHIGAN - In spite of the weather recently around our area, the IBCA Bowling state tournament launched its individual regional in Michigan City, IN. LaVille, a continually improving group over the last four years, sent two from the qualifying round to the step-ladder finals at City Bowl. John Andert and Andrew Wolford advanced through the qualifying round to the finals. Andert entered the step-ladder portion as a 4th-seed, while Wolford was a 3rd-seed, which means that they were paired against each other straight out of the gate. In what ended up being a battle between the two LaVille teammates, just eight pins - 172-164! According to Kubsch, "They are teammates and they handled it well. They said, 'it doesn't matter. We know that someone was going to represent LaVille moving forward.'" The difference in the final outcome was something not so different in the bowling world. "A big split in the 10th frame was a big difference," said Kubsch. In the semifinal match, Andert was once again pushed to the limit in the match. The LaVille senior advanced to the finals, 161-158, over his opponent of South Bend Adams. As the regional championship match took shape, Andert was set to battle Wheeler's Lucas McNamara, Lakeshore Conference individual champion. "John started out a little slow," explained Kubsch. "At one point he trailed by 20 pins. But he started making some strikes and converting spares. "As we got to the 10th frame, John only needed four pins to win the match. John was able to shoot a spare and won the match, 165-150." During the step-ladder finals, Kubsch watched as Andert worked his way from the #4 seed all the way to the regional title. "It is difficult to come from 4th position in the qualifying round to win it all," said the LaVille coach. "He got there by throwing a solid 3-game set. He was very consistent in his play." Both Andert and Wolford advanced to the Fort Wayne Semi-State at Pro Bowl West. Stay tuned for further information. STEP-LADDER FINALS 4th Seed: John Andert, LaVille 3rd Seed: Andrew Wolford, LaVille 2nd Seed: Carter Bobson, South Bend Adams 1st Seed: Lucas McNamara, Wheeler Quarterfinal: Andert def. Wolford, 172-164 Semifinal: Andert def. Bobson, 161-158 Championship: Andert def. McNamara, 165-150