Wayland boys’ bowling coach Sherry Miklusicak called it, “simply the best match in the history I have been coaching,” as her group managed a 15-15 tie against high scoring, well-regarded Middleville Thornapple Kellogg.
The girls’ team scored a 28-2 decision over TK at the same time at Rock ‘N Bowl Lanes in Wayland.
The Wildcat boys lost the first baker game by just seven pins (that is less than one spare). Baker game two was won by Wayland by just six pins, putting Wayland short of total pins by just one, so TK went up 6-4.
But the ‘Cats took seven of the next nine points in the first match. Kyle VanEss took his point by a score of 162-146, Jayse Henkel took his point ,149-131, and Dominik Baker 193-184. Aydin Tolliver lost his point despite bowling an amazing 200 game. Chandler Caruso lost 170-158, recovering from an illness.
The Wildcats prevailed 862-846, by just 16 pins, but captured the lead 11-8.
“The boys needed to continue the fight,” Mikluisicak said. “TK was not about to let up.”
Kyle VanEss finished with a 207 game, but lost his point, as his opponent shot a 225. Jayse Henkel took his second point of the afternoon 155-112. Dominik Baker rolled another nice game of 181, losing his point by just three pins. Aydin Tolliver rolled his second 200 of the day and took his point 211-201.
Chandler Caruso had a nice 186, but TK’s anchor shot 233, so the Trojans ended up taking seven of nine point that gameit came down to the subtotal for the two matches.
“I thought we had lost at this point,” Miklusicak said. “When I totalled the two games, the final total was 1802-1801 in favor of Wayland. I guess it is fitting we ended the match with a 15-15 tie.”
Girls’ coach Eric Bottrall said his ladies “are starting to see the improvements that they all have been making with their games. We still haven’t even come close to our potential yet… I truly believe and appreciate all your hard work. High games by Breanna Hyde 106, Madison Bottrall 133, Juliette 134, Lily 136, Izzy Botwinski 162, Haven Baker 178 and Kadence Bottrall 227.
