The Wayland 
girls’ bowling downed a rapidly improving Hopkins team 21-9 at High Mark Lanes in Dorr Thursday to improve its dual match record to 9-0.
The Lady Wildcats managed to win two very close Baker games, 147-142 and 163-154 which gave them a 14-pin win for the Baker two-game total and a 10-0 lead heading into the first team individual game. The Lady Wildcats began to pull away, taking the first game 810-706 and claiming 8 of the possible 9 points, securing the win for the afternoon and an 18-1 lead.
Pacing the Lady Wildcats in game one were sophomore Marissa Bruinsslot 197, sophomore Sydney Urben 180, junior Erin Porteous 153, senior Lizzy Cobb 147 and senior Aubree Hodges 133.
“Scores were down as the ladies struggled to adjust to the wood lanes (we bowl almost exclusively on synthetic lanes), but they were focused on the task at hand,” coach Bill Holbrook said.
The early wrapup of the match allowed for five other ladies to bowl in game two. Getting their first varsity dual match experience were freshmen Mackenzie Banas and junior Tiara Vincent. Wayland dropped game two, 650 to 591, but they managed to take 3 of the final 11 points for the 21-9 win.
Sophomore Jessica Henderson was the Lady Wildcats’ leading roller with a 136. Tiara Vincent had a 128 and was the only one to win an individual point. Other scores turned in were freshman Amber Beggs 108 and Mackenzie Banas 96.
“For the most part, it was a good day all around for the Lady Wildcats in their only action this week,” the coach said. “Solid performances from top to bottom allowed for some of the first-year ladies to gain some valuable match play experience.
Next week brings two conference matches Tuesday against Thornapple Kellogg at Hastings and Thursday at Airport Lanes against Ottawa Hills. The Lady Wildcats will compete in the Zeeland East tournament Saturday, Jan. 30.
