Wayland boys’ varsity bowling coach Sherry Rybiski Miklusicak said, “Just one pin makes a BIG difference…” after her squad claimed its second straight dual match victory, 16-14, Wednesday over Grand Rapids Christian.

“It sure was a close match though,” she remarked. “Our men worked hard against Grand Rapids Christian this evening. I did a little research beforehand and let the boys know I wanted 150 from everyone — every game and I thought we would be okay.

The girls’ team, meanwhile, prevailed over the Eagles to push its overall season record to 6-1-1.

In Baker game number one, the boys won 161-143 and went up 4-0. Baker number two was next, and the Wildcats didn’t meet the goal and lost 136 – 118.

“Terrible game,” the coach said. “At this point, we found ourselves in a tie as GRC took 4 points and we ended with the exact same score for the Baker total pins category. As Warren Reynolds would say on Sunday bowling on TV8 — we are ‘dead even.'”

Match number one went well for the ‘Cats, who took seven of nine points with Mark Musgrave, Jordan Fitzgerald with a whopping 206 game, and an amazing 194 from Alan Beggs all taking their points. The score was now to Wayland’s advantage 12-7. They won total pins that match by 52.

“We only needed to take 4 more points…”

Match number two was looking promising going into the ninth frame as Wayland was up by 30 to 40 pins.

“Here is a good motto to remember, ‘never give up,’ or maybe, ‘don’t take things for granted'”

Mark Musgrave and Jordan Fitzgerald took the lone points this game and the score was now 14-14. Winning depended on who took total pins for the two games.

The pin count incredibly ended up 1489 to 1488… in Wayland’s favor for a final score of 16-14. and the Wildcats’ record improved to 2-6.

Park Center Lanes was the location of the Wayland ladies’ latest win over Grand Rapids Christian.

Coach Eric Bottrall said the player of the night was undoubtedly Lilly Gates in a big way, who averaged 200.

“All her hard work is paying off! ” the coach said. “We are so proud of her accomplishment.

“I don’t currently have scores as coach is getting a ball drilled for one of the girls so she can have her own ball. It really makes a difference. Updates may come tomorrow, but Lily had like a 235ish and a 177. Pretty sure she will comment if I am wrong.”