The Wayland boys’ varsity bowling team opened O-K Gold-Green Conference dual match season play with a 22-8 loss to Grand Rapids Christian.

“Entering the first individual match, it was evident GRC had someone or something on their side,” said coach Sherry Miklusicak. “Everything fell for them. It didn’t seem to matter where they hit the pocket — even head pin shots fell. They also picked up some really hard spares that were splits which made it a little exciting.

“Sometimes that is tough to take, but I am proud of my boys as they were still giving high fives away to the opposing team. That is what real sportmanship is about!”

GRC took the first match 852-729 to put Wayland behind 18-1, with its only point coming from anchor Dillon Smith who took his point 174-173.

Game 2 was when the Wildcats warmed up and the opponents finally went cold. Dylan Roberts found his groove and had a fine 196 game with Smith adding a high game of the evening for both teams with a fine 201.

Final score for game 2 was 803-706 in favor of the Wildcats, but they lost total by only 26 pins – just a couple of spares.

“Alex Marble is showing a promising future and Christian Courser came back in the second game for a strong finish,” Miklusicak said. “Again, they boys never gave up so I expect good things to happen as we progress through the season.

Wayland came out in the first Baker game filling 5 out of 6 frames with spares. Unfortunately the next 3 of 4 frames were opens and the ‘Cats finished with a 143 and they lost by only 5 pins. Their second Baker was better with a 164, but unfortunately GRC had a better Baker game, too, and Wayland was down 10-0 at this point.