Surprises, history, and so much more swirled through the finals of the NJSIAA North Jersey, Section 2 Tournament at Bowlero-North Brunswick on Saturday.
In the Group 2 final, three-seed Lyndhurst threw a wrench in the plans of a fourth straight sectional title for one-seed Montville.
Lyndhurst took it to the No. 15 ranked team in the NJ.com Top 20 rankings, sweeping the Mustangs to win the sectional title after coming up short in the sectional final last year.
Freshman James Sinen led the way for the Golden Bears with a 428 two-game series, which saw the freshman tally a high game of 252 in game two.
Senior Mark Rigano followed with a 414 two-game series for Lyndhurst. The senior anchor delivered in the biggest moment of the match during the 10th frame with the Golden Bears hanging on to a slim lead over the Mustangs.
Rigano collected a spare to clinch the match for Lyndhurst and then rolled a thunderous strike on his last attempt to put the finishing touches on the championship victory.
It was a strong run through the sectional tournament for Lyndhurst, who beat last year’s North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 champion Warren Hills in the semifinals.
“We kind of surprised everybody this year with winning the section,” Lyndhurst bowling coach Mark Offitto said. “Last year, we had a heartbreaking loss (in the sectional final). I know our seniors wanted to make it back badly this year and win it. I’m so happy for this group and the seniors. They all stepped up big time.”
