Girls bowling beat: Sherwin's 298 motivating

Oooh, those last two pins! Melissa Sherwin came that close to a 300 game Thursday against Central Islip: 11 strikes, then a hair-late release on the 12th frame left the Middle Country star two pins shy of perfection.

"I was nervous," she admitted. "I was shaking a little and had a lot running through my mind."

The crowd at East Islip Lanes had gathered to see if Sherwin would become the third girl in Suffolk history to bowl a 300, so the anxiousness was understandable, though a bit surprising considering all she's already accomplished.

Sherwin is only a sophomore, but her demeanor and refined game suggest otherwise. As a freshman, she led the Cougarines to their first Suffolk title, then sparked a comeback that pulled them within 47 pins of a state championship.

This year, after altering her mechanics to become more balanced and deliberate in her delivery, she's leading all girls with a 216.3 average - the single-season record of 218.4 being a possibility. Her 787 series Thursday was tops among girls this year. Not a bad consolation.

Unlike many athletes, she admits to being aware of stats. Having the top average was a goal, as is breaking the record. And the 300? "I'm motivated," she said. "If I get that close again, I'll be more comfortable."