UPDATE: (A previous version of this story has been updated to show Hailey Miller has been selected for girls bowling singles state championships after a rule change allowed for the top 10 scores to be chosen.)

SOUTHERN PINES — Just 28 pins is what was looked to have separated Richmond Senior bowling coach Ralph Butler from leading a girls player to the singles state championships in back-to-back seasons.

Last year, it was multi-sport upperclassman Savannah Lampley who posted a top-4 score to make the big tournament.

This season it was first-year bowler Hailey Miller, already a state-qualifier for girls golf during the fall, who had just missed the top eight with a three-game total pin score of 453.

But a late rule change on Friday allowed for the top 10 scores from the field of 80-plus on hand at the Sandhills Bowling Center, to make the state championships event in two weeks.

Miller saved her best effort for the most important moment, coming in well above her season average of 134, ending the day with an average pin total of 151.

“I didn’t really know what to expect out of bowling since it’s my first year, but it’s been cool playing with the girls on the team,” Miller said after the event. And just seeing how I can do on individual was pretty cool, too.”

“I really picked up a bunch of spares and strikes and that helped me close out my frames,” she added.

Her finishing ability led to a hot start as she posted scores of 163 and 161 in the first two games.

Butler attributed the early jump to the individual format as opposed to the team rules that only allow you to bowl two frames per game.

“For somebody like Hailey, it helps when you’re doing individual and you can get in a rhythm. And she was able to find that today by bowling more frames,” he said.

Butler complemented Miller’s competitive nature and noted how focused she was throughout the contest. That focus helped her make things interesting in the final frame of game 3, as she rolled a strike, then followed with a spare to end the day.

Two other Lady Raiders topped 400 after completing their respective rounds as Hannah Bennett finished with a total score of 418 and Autumn Hoffman ended with 403.

Bennett’s best effort was in her second game when she hung a 164 on the scoresheet, which was good enough for the team best. Meanwhile, Hoffman used a consistent effort, never posting a score lower than 127.

Butler now hopes the group can use the confidence gained from singles and incorporate it to the Sandhills Athletic Conference championships in two weeks.

“Overall, I’m pleased with the individual performances,” said Butler. “We had three girls finish over 400 and if we can carry that into the conference tournament…I like our chances.”

The rest of the Lady Raiders’ pin total on the day are as follows:

Carley Lambeth- 394

Cadence Thompson – 389

Josie Standridge- 366

Amber Henson- 351

Kayla Howell- 318

Donnell Coley| Richmond County Daily Journal Lady Raiders bowler Hailey Miller sets to roll the ball during Wednesday’s singles competition in Southern Pines. Miller led the team with a total pin total of 453.
https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/web1_BOWL_haileysingles.jpgDonnell Coley| Richmond County Daily Journal Lady Raiders bowler Hailey Miller sets to roll the ball during Wednesday’s singles competition in Southern Pines. Miller led the team with a total pin total of 453.

Donnell Coley| Richmond County Daily Journal Members from the Richmond Senior girls bowling team pose after singles competition in Southern Pines on Wednesday. Four players posted total pin scores over 400.
https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/web1_RSGirlsBOWL-2-1.jpgDonnell Coley| Richmond County Daily Journal Members from the Richmond Senior girls bowling team pose after singles competition in Southern Pines on Wednesday. Four players posted total pin scores over 400.
Miller just misses last spot for states

By Donnell Coley

Sports Editor

Donnell Coley can be reached at 910-817-2671 or by email at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter: @Sportsinmyveins.