"Spring"-ing to the 4th Quarter

As it is finally March, tonight is the first series of the 4th quarter. If the Brew Crew bowled like they did over the past two weeks, they will extend their winning streak to 9 games (21-0 in the points column). After finishing in the top three in the 3rd quarter, and finishing first in the 2nd quarter, the Crew find themselves in a very comfortable position. However, the season is not over and they still need to perform no less than their expectations.

What can we expect for tonight?

After a solid helping of humble pie on Sunday, Jeff Doruff, Andy Rathje, and Paul Lauricella should feel at home when they return to Wood Dale Bowl tonight. There are no excuses why they shouldn't bowl well tonight after this past weekend. The lane conditions they faced on Sunday were nothing short of vexatious. Andy Rathje couldn't have been any more honest about it after saying "I want to go home." following the completion of his third game of the tournament. Every lane they bowled on was different, every game was another slap in the face, and every open frame was the door hitting in the ass on their way out.

Andy feeling homesick

The positive thing was that all three prevailed and learned a thing or two that day. With this experience, Andy Rathje will get his wish to go home, to Wood Dale Bowl.

Brew....CREW!!!

Brewled to Perfection

Last night, we witnessed what the Brew Crew does best when it does the little things right. They win despite how well the other team bowled. A perfect example was on full display when one of Wood Dale Bowl's fine bowlers cranked out a 300 for game two. Every ball he rolled berried in the pocket. You would think when a bowler on your team bowls a 300, you win right? Wrong. The Brew Crew easily won despite the opposing team's 300.

The domination began with Andy Rathje starting out hot, just like last week. Only this time, Rathje upped himself with his new season high 279. This continued to push the other Brew Crew bowlers to understand what needs to be done. The team anchor, Paul Lauricella continued to dominate the lanes with is dynamic vision before he starts his approach. Lauricella continued to do what he did best and it showed as the lanes began to break down, making adjustments and understanding what to do and when.

Paul Lauricella's solid approach and adjustments lead to...

Yeah!

Andy Rathje on the other hand, faced a different fate. Following his 279 strike-a-thon, Rathje had to utilize something that he found to be strange, a piece of equipment known as a spare ball. In the photo below, you can tell he didn't look comfortable or even happy about the new concept of rolling a second ball in the same frame.

Andy Rathje acting like he knows what he's doing.

Fortunately, Rathje's confusion was short lived as Jeff Doruff lead by example with his multiple sting of 1 pin spare conversions.

Jeff Doruff about to leave a 1 pin spare, for Andy Rathje's sake...

As the third game came to a close, it was official that the Brew Crew finished the third quarter with 14 straight points in the win column. As Paul Lauricella put it, "It smelled the same as last week." after the Brew Crew took all 7 points in the second consecutive week. Lauricella's statement couldn't be more true. Everything they did right last week was repeated this week with the same "smell". They picked each other up, they made makeable spares, and most importantly, they didn't give the opposing team a chance to win in the 10th frame. It is scare what this team can do when they do all the little things. The only question is how consistently they can perform like this.

Brew....CREW!!!

Quarter 3 Ends, Brew Must Finish Strong

This week, the Brew Crew bowling team faces a must win situation. After winning the second quarter of the Wood Dale Bowl Chuck Hall Classic, the Brew Crew again finds themselves towards the top of the rankings as tonight marks the ending of Quarter 3.

The Brew crew has been all or nothing this quarter, especially over the past two weeks. Two weeks ago, the Brew Crew lost all 7 points with their contest with Jeff Doruff bowling an ugly split filled 465 series. Last week, the Brew Crew faced American Electric and took all 7 points with high contributions from all five bowlers.

To expand on last week, Andy Rathje started the night out on fire. Going into the 10th frame, the Brew Crew needed to brew up some big strikes. Jeff Doruff, Andy Rathje, and Paul Lauricella all finished the 10th frame with three strikes. Andy Rathje finished with a season high 277 and finished with a 700+ series. Team Anchor Paul Lauricella maintained an even strength by converting his spares between a string of strikes and finishing each game on a strong note. Jeff Doruff seemed to have his mojo back with a 632 series following his awful performance just one week prior.

Andy Rathje Grabbing his 277

In order for this team to achieve it's ultimate goal as Chuck Hall Classic League Champions, they must continue to perform the way they did last week. Each bowler needs to stay out of trouble, and continue to play the lanes correctly. The big three on this team have the ability to win their first Chuck Hall Classic Championship. That path continues tonight.

Brew.....CREW!!!