"And your runners-up in the NSCHSAA bowling league finals are… the Chaminade Flyers!"
As these painful words rang through the air at Wantagh Lanes to close the 2023-24 blowing season, they also laid the groundwork for this season's mantra:
Win!
And win they have.
The 2024-25 season has been nothing short of fantastic thus far for the Flyers. By January 16, the team had amassed a record of 10-0, along with an overall net score of 88-2.
"The Flyers are prepared for any challenges they face on their path to victory," promised head coach Gregory Gerner.
But late January brought with it a scheduling quirk which presented the Flyers with perhaps their toughest challenge yet - three matches over a five-day span.
On Wednesday, January 23, Chaminade traveled to Uniondale, ready to take on Kellenberg at their on-campus venue, Kellenberg Lanes.
Earlier in the season, the Flyers posted an impressive 9-0 victory over these Firebirds, one which featured magnificent performances from nearly every kegler on the Flyers' roster. The rematch was no different, as another 9-0 victory improved the Flyers' record to 11-0.
The victory was propelled by a number of impressive individual performances.
"Senior captain Alexander Fiorillo has been a consistent force, delivering high series scores and leading by example," said Coach Gerner. "Senior Kieran Hickis, freshman James Clarke and junior Michael Cohen have also been crucial… Sophomore Damian Torres and senior Christopher Erb have contributed significantly, as well."
However, the Flyers' depth would be put to a more difficult test in back-to-back matchups against the Friars of St. Anthony's - the squad that defeated the Flyers by a mere 13 pins to win the championship last February.
Just 24 hours after toppling Kellenberg, the Flyers traveled to the Bowlero Melville seeking revenge on the team that cost them the crown in 2024. Despite winning a few frames early on, the Flyers succumbed to a talented Friars squad, losing their first match of the season, 6-3.
With an undefeated season now impossible, the Flyers hoped to find a double dose of revenge against the Friars three days later on their home lanes at Bowlero Mineola.
However, despite their best efforts, the Flyers were defeated once again, this time by a score of 8-1.
After an undefeated, historic regular season, the Flyers have now dropped two matches in a row - their only two of the season - in advance of the postseason tournament.
"The team's depth, resilience, and ability to deliver clutch performances have been major positives this season," reflected Coach Gerner, still confident in his team's abilities. "The primary goal is to bring home a championship by staying focused and executing at a high level."
Only time will tell if these Flyers will get a third shot to knock off St. Anthony's this season, as the playoffs begin on Monday, February 3.
