The Butler High girls' bowling team clinched a section title with a win over Mars last week at Mystic Lanes.

The win improved the Lady Tornado's record to 8-0. Bowling well for Butler were Hope Griffith with a 212 game, followed by Heather Paul, 179, Brea Suchonic, 177, and Nicole Balk.

With the win Butler qualified for the League Championships in February and the Regional Championships in March.

The Butler boys also defeated Mars to improve to 5-3. Derick Hahn led Butler with a 199 game. Dalton Monaco, 195, and Sam Weston, 191, also bowled well. Butler hosts Shaler today and will end the regular season at Karns City the following week.

The Butler bowling teams are in their first year and are coached by Bill Fay, Jim Hepler, and Karen Marcellus. Congratulations Tornado!

Fagan earns first titleMichael Fagan earned his first individual title on the Professional Bowlers Tour with a victory last week in the Dick Weber Open in California. Fagan beat Walter Ray Williams, Jr. 241-213 to pick up $25,000.Williams earned $13,000, Pete Weber was third and earned $9,000, Bill O'Neill finished fourth, ($7,000), and Ryan Shafer finished fifth, ($6,000).

TriviaMichael Fagan earned one other title in a double event. Who was his partner? Answer at the end of the column.

Tip of the WeekA relaxed grip is a key ingredient to a smooth release. Fist and foremost, visit your local pro shop to make sure that your bowling ball is fitting your hand properly.Here is a trick that I use to help keep my hand relaxed in the ball. When I first step up on the approach and after I place my hand in the ball, I actually squeeze the bowling ball with my bowling hand.I hold it for two or three seconds, then release. This will relax your hand muscles. I then go through with my delivery.Try to keep your hand relaxed throughout the shot. If it feels like you are squeezing the ball the whole time you make your approach, then a fitting issue is probable the culprit.

Top scorersJim Spring just missed perfection in the Troy-Alan league, firing a 298. Kevin Kniess, (278), and Mike Warnock, (264) also bowled well. ... Mark Monnie tossed a 290 game and a 755 series to lead the Armco C League. Dale Linaberger, 266 (720), Chuck Dight, (724), and Trent Slater, (768) also bowled well. ... Linda Smith had the high game, (201), and series, (525) to lead the Coins League.

Bowlers of the DecadeWalter Ray Williams Jr. and Liz Johnson were named Bowlers of the Decade by the Bowling Writers Association of America. Williams won 17 titles in the decade.

Trivia answerFagan teamed with Danny Wiseman to win the PBA Exempt Doubles Championship during the 2007-2008 season.