GIRLS BOWLING: Spring Valley wins Sunset, will face Liberty for state title

Despite never winning a team state title in bowling, the girls Spring Valley bowling team could be the favorite to take home the championship Friday afternoon at The Orleans.

On Thursday, the Grizzlies took home the Class 4A Sunset Region title by taking down the Arbor View 9-0 to move into the state final.

Spring Valley will face Liberty, which defeated Basic 7-2 for the Sunrise Region title, at 2:30 p.m. at The Orleans.

Liberty won the state title in 2012, but the Grizzlies have been the best team at the region tournament, and their 1,997 series score Thursday was the best overall score of the postseason.

“It’s been amazing so far,” Spring Valley coach Kyle Martin. “Just watching these girls throughout the season they have definitely been a special team. I’m kind of at a loss for words right now, it’s a great feeling.”

Martin is trying to keep the pressure off his team as much as possible heading into the final match of the season, and doesn’t want to make the match about winning a first state title.

“Obviously it would be great to bring home a state championship,” he said. “But at the same time I just want them to bowl well and have fun and enjoy doing it.

“These girls have so much potential to do great things though. I’m happy for them because they’ve worked hard and they really deserve it.”

Contact reporter Bill Slane at bslane@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4559. Follow @bill_slane on Twitter.