COLUMBUS — The Bellefontaine High School girls bowling team recorded the best state tournament finish in program history Saturday, placing fourth at the Division I State Tournament at HP Lanes.
The Lady Chiefs advanced to the championship round before falling to Gahanna Lincoln High School in the semifinal match in four games.
Bellefontaine senior Gracie Hood highlighted the day by capturing the individual Division I state championship, rolling a 679 series to win the title by 12 pins. Hood posted games of 208, 248 and 223 to secure the crown.
Also competing for Bellefontaine, senior Chloe Heminger finished 17th with a 568 series, while sophomore Addison Prosser placed 43rd with a 511 series. Sophomore Rylee Anderson rolled a 463 series, and freshman Kodi Palmeradded a 435 series.
The Lady Chiefs entered the state tournament after winning the Central Buckeye Conference championship and finishing second at the Division I District Tournament on Feb. 26.
Bellefontaine has steadily climbed the state standings in recent seasons. The Lady Chiefs finished eighth at the Division I State Tournament in 2023 and 2024, followed by a fifth-place finish in 2025, before improving to fourth this season.
Hood closed her Bellefontaine career as one of the program’s most accomplished bowlers. She averaged 186.6 as a freshman, improved to 207.7 as a sophomore, reached 220 as a junior, and posted a 227 average during her senior season, finishing the year with 13,844 pins in 61 games. Her steady rise culminated with Saturday’s individual Division I state championship.
The senior standout will continue her bowling career at Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she has signed a letter of intent to join the Mustangs’ women’s bowling program while pursuing a degree in nursing. She leaves Bellefontaine holding several program records, including high game (289), two-game series (558), three-game series (712) and highest season average (220).
Team members for Bellefontaine include Rylee Anderson, Isabelle Gunnett, Chloe Heminger, Gracie Hood, Kodi Palmer and Addison Prosser.
Jane Kline serves as head coach, with Jeremy Ryan as assistant coach.
