Ravenna Girls Rally in Qualifying, Roll Through Match Play to Claim Repeat

By Perry A. Farrell
Special for MHSAA.com

February 27, 2026

TAYLOR – Ravenna went Nutts, and it culminated in another Finals title for the reigning Division 4 champion. 

Only Hudson stood in the way of Ravenna repeating Friday at Skore Lanes. But led by coaches and brothers Jason and Jeff Nutt and boasting their daughters Joslyn, Gabby and Taylor, the Bulldogs dominated the Tigers in the championship match 198-146, 219-155 and 194-162 to seal the repeat.

“It was tough,’’ said Jeff Nutt. “There’s an expectation. Last year we might have snuck up on some people. We weren’t coming over last year with thoughts of winning. This year, after winning it (in 2025), the expectations were high.

“We wanted to be the No. 1 seed. That means you (face) the lowest seed going in (to match play), and that gives you an advantage. We knew coming in Jonesville and Hudson were probably our toughest opponents. That meant those two had to match up (on the other side of the bracket), and we only had to bowl one of them.’’

Freshman Joslyn Nutt, sophomore Gabby Nutt and junior Taylor Nutt comprised three of the team’s five bowlers in the Final. Junior Reese Herremans and sophomore Kenydl Luce filled out the lineup.

In all, Ravenna had four returning bowlers from last season and two freshmen who rounded out the roster.

“I watched it last year, and it’s very nerve-wracking watching,’’ said Joslyn Nutt of the championship tournament. “It’s pretty cool to do it this year when I’m actually bowling.’’

Joslyn and Taylor are sisters; Gabby is their cousin.

“It’s tough watching your kid bowl,’’ said Jason Nutt. “I thought they were composed all day and were consistent. Repeating is tough.’’

Hudson was left open frames and splits during the championship and was plagued by bad shots after advancing as the third seed out of qualifying.

Ravenna qualified first at 3,128 pins followed by Jonesville at 2,965 and Hudson at 2,947.

Ravena eliminated Portland St. Patrick in the best-of-five Baker format (3-1) to begin match play and to advance to the Semifinal against Monroe St. Mary Catholic, which defeated Sandusky (3-0). The Bulldogs made it to the Finals by defeating the Kestrels 3-1.

Second seed Jonesville eliminated Burton Bendle (3-2) to face Hudson in the Semifinal. The Tigers had advanced by winning 3-2 over Byron and made it to the Final by eliminating Jonesville (3-0).

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