SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WENY) - The Elmira boys bowling team traveled to Syracuse on Friday with hopes to bring home a state title. After a comeback effort against Hilton, the Express did just that.

The Elmira team, consisting of Frankie D'angelo, Alex Gublo, Trent Belloma, Skylar Shadduck, Alex Smith, and Ty Bolt won the Division I championship at Strike 'N Spare Lanes in Syracuse with a total score of 6,314 pins ahead of runner-up Hilton who finished with a score of 6,263. Elmira trailed by 190 pins after the first two games but rallied the rest of the way and recorded a score of 1,036 in the final game to secure the title.

Alex Smith also recorded the second high series at Friday's NYSPHSAA Team Championships. 

This is the first team state title for Elmira High School and the second in Elmira City School District history after Southside won it in 2005. 

Head Coach Tim Crout credits being in the same division with Corning and coming back to beat the Hawks in the state qualifier to prepare them for moments like Friday.

"It was one of the most awesome experiences that I've had coaching this sport and I can't say enough about how hard these kids worked," Crout said. "They could've folded after the first two games. Hilton's team shot 1,130 in the first game and 1,137 in the second game and they didn't give up. They fought and fought and I can't say enough. I'm so proud. I'm so proud to be their coach. I'm so proud to win this title."

The state title concludes a memorable season for a young Express team, who were welcomed home with a police escort.

"We did it in Sectionals to make States, so we knew we could do it again," said sophomore Trent Belloma when discussing Friday's comeback victory.

"Being a 7th grader and going out there and competing with people almost six years older than me, it's something special to do and I'll never forget this year," added Frankie D'angelo.

The Elmira girls bowling team also competed at the state championships in Syracuse, finishing in 5th place with an overall score of 5,064.

Local bowlers will be in action on Saturday at the individual state championships.