Whipple edges Decker for top women's average

Stephanie Whipple edged Lindy Decker for high average honors for York County female bowlers for the 2009-10 season.

Whipple compiled a 228 average for 96 games at Suburban Bowlerama, while Decker tallied a 227 mark for 72 games at Colony Park North.

It marks the third time in the past 10 years that Whipple has paced the county women in average. She has finished either first, second (five times) or third (twice) in the past decade.

“Lindy and I have a friendly competition,” said Whipple, who recorded her career-high average. “We like to push each other.”

The two bowled on the same team in the Friday night Traveling League this past season.

Whipple tries not to pay too much attention to her average during the season. “I think it puts more pressure on you,” she said.

The smooth right-hander believes the key to posting a high average is carrying as many pins as possible.

“To maximize your carry, you need to switch balls occasionally and move on the approach as the lane conditions change,” she offered “It can be frustrating if you’re not carrying. You try not to let it get to you.”

Teammate Tracy Bair praised Whipple’s mental toughness.

“After a bad ball or frame, Stephanie is able focus and quickly get back on track,” commented Bair. “She is very consistent, extremely accurate and knowledgeable.”

Jen Schaffer said, “Stephanie enjoys the game and has fun with it. But, she’s also a tough competitor. She has a very smooth style, is consistent to the line and doesn’t beat herself.”

What advice does Whipple have for other bowlers?

“Try to minimize your bad weeks, make your spares and stay calm.”

Whipple’s goal for this season is to average 230. It’s a lofty goal, but there aren’t many women who doubt she can achieve it.

Top Women’s Averages for 2009-10

(Minimum of 66 games)

Bowler Avg. Games Center

1. Stephanie Whipple 228 96 Suburban

2. Lindy Decker 227 72 Colony Park North

3. Jen Elicker 224 99 Lincolnway

4. Tracy Bair 217 74 East Lincoln

5. Becky Daigle 215 96 Suburban

6. Jen Schaffer 210 93 Suburban

7. Kristina Koller 209 90 Colony Park North

8. Michelle Tully 208 96 Colony Park North

9. Julie Carson 207 96 Colony Park North

10. Brenda Danfelt 204 84 Colony Park North

11. Chelsea Weik 203 75 East Lincoln

12. Tracey Rohrbaugh 203 99 Suburban

13. Denise Beachtel 202 66 Hanover

14. Angela Gotwalt 202 87 Colony Park North

15. Pam Ilgenfritz 199 99 Suburban

16. Roxanne Rand 199 96 Suburban

17. Deb Sipe 198 87 Suburban

18. Brenda Houck 197 96 Suburban

19. Alicia King 197 93 Colony Park North

20. Jill Fissel 196 105 Hanover

21. Angie Kauffman 194 87 Colony Park North

22. Sally McIntyre 193 105 Hanover

23. Abby Swisher 193 90 East Lincoln

24. Kristen Bair 192 108 Hanover

25. Arwana Groves 192 99 Suburban

26. Allison Reynolds 192 94 Lincolnway