Wayland girls’ varsity bowling coach Bill Holbrook called it a historic night. Indeed it was.
How many girls’ bowling teams have combined to roll a 1,000 score in a single game? The Lady Wildcats rolled an amazing 1,052 Thursday afternoon while defeating Grand Rapids Catholic Central, notching the eighth highest score in the state.
“I don’t typically get nervous during matches, but this was the first time I ever got nervous when the match was well in hand,” Holbrook commented.
The Wayland ladies jumped out to a quick 10-0 lead by taking both Baker games, 158-124 and 195-111. Then it was on to the first team individual game and that’s when the magic happened, causing Holbrook to pace the floor.
“The girls started strong and by the fifth frame I started to realize they were on a roll,” the coach explained. “By the eighth frame my nerves were kicking in. They had a chance to do something as a team that few girls’ teams can.
When the 10th frame came to a close, the Lady Wildcats had shot 1052.
“If that doesn’t sound impressive, that is a 210 average per bowler for the game,” Holbrook said.
Senior Lizzy Cobb continued her hot bowling in the leadoff spot throwing the last six strikes for a 215. The second bowler, senior Aubree Hodges threw a 204, her 1st 200 game in a competition ever. Junior Erin Porteous bowled third and had an impressive 217. Junior Alicia Sweeney threw the ball as well as anyone on the team but left six, seven pins in route to a 181. Sophomore Sydney Urben anchored the team with a 235.
This was the eighth highest game this year for a girls’ team in Michigan. The lead was now 19-0 after the 1052-690 win.
“The second game was all about managing the adrenaline drop and trying to find a way to finish strong,” the coach said.
The ladies did a good job of cruising, but missed a few more spares in route to a solid 879 to Catholic Central’s 625 and a 30-0 win.
Lizzy Cobb threw her fourth straight 200 with a 209 to go with her 215 for a 424 series. Other scores were Aubree Hodges 204-171=375; Erin Porteous 217-186=403; Alicia Sweeney 181-140=321 and Sydney Urben 235-173=408.
“I was nervous as the first game progressed because shooting a 1,000 is pretty remarkable,” Holbrook said. “I didn’t want to say anything to them and get them nervous. It was so much fun to watch them put it all together for a single game! I love these girls and am so proud of this group. Even the girls who didn’t get a chance to bowl were enthusiastic and great teammates. I like where this team is headed and I like the confidence!”
Next up is the final O-K Gold Conference tournament Saturday. The Lady Wildcats will enter the competition with a 13-1 overall dual match record.
