UPDATE, March 26: Tori placed second in the state singles match.

Frisco Fusion bowling team member Tori Franklin qualified for the state competition which will take place on March 24 in Fort Worth. Tori’s first place in the singles competition during regionals led her to qualify for state. She has qualified for state the last three years and is excited to compete again.
Tori went into the regional competition feeling confident and prepared to do well. At the beginning of the singles competition, she wasn’t doing as well as she hoped. Tori persevered and figured out what ball to use and how to play the lanes.
“I felt pretty confident going into it,” Tori said. “I knew what my arsenal was gonna be and I knew the girls that I was going up against, so after game two, I was struggling a little bit. I had shot lower than what I was hoping to do, but I figured out the lanes and where I needed to play from and I figured out what ball I needed to play.”
Since the regional competition, Tori has been practicing to perfect her game for state. Her coach, Genie Franklin, describes Tori’s work ethic as strong. Tori practices two to three times a week to improve her game.
“I’ve been practicing a lot this week,” Tori said. “I’m gonna go three more times this week before I go to state I’ve been learning a lot this week like hand position and how to play certain lanes.”
Last year, Tori finished second at state. Although some of the competitors were seniors last year and won’t compete this year, Tori predicts close matches at state. She believes the competition will be hard but is excited to go.
“I’m excited this is my third year going to state,” Tori said. “I know the girls I’ll be going up against, I bowl with them a lot. I’m close friends with them and I think it will be close matches.”
Coach Franklin has been helping Tori prepare for state by having her compete in larger competitions. These competitions help Tori prepare mentally and skill-wise.
“Tori went to Orlando, Flordia over spring break to bowl the Storm Youth Championship which is a national youth tournament,” Franklin said. “Continuing to compete against the highest level youths across the country helps her prepare mentally and physically for her high school state tournament.”
Braden Novinger, a teammate on Frisco Fusion describes Tori as a positive asset to the team. Not only does Tori work on making her game better, but helps her teammates as well.
“Tori brings a lot to the team,” Novinger said. “her being our best player–she brings a great attitude to all of our practices and matches she’s helped me better myself and taught everyone how to get better.”
Frisco Fusion not only has a bowler going to state, but they also have All-District Honors. Tori Franklin was awarded with lead girls first team All-District, Witen Albin was awarded with second team All-District, Keathan Jennings and Braden Novinger were awarded with All-District Honorable Mention.
“Since this is our first year as a team we’ve actually gotten really close,” Tori said. “We build each other’s confidence and keep each other focused and locked in. We really support each other a lot.”