In what should have been the showdown of the season in the O-K Gold Conference ended joylessly for both the Wayland and Middleville girls’ bowling teams.
“Don’t get me wrong, we are proud of a win and our undefeated record, but it didn’t come the way we wanted it,” said coach Eric Bottrall. “Thornapple-Kellogg only had three of five players available. That pretty much says it all.”
Since TK had to take zeros for four frames, Wayland won both Baker games easily, 128-77 and 144-89.
Match one highlights were Breanna Hyde 172, Bella Harnish 169 and Kadence Bottrall 203 all taking points. Haven Baker was close in her game, needing only 7 more pins for the win. Izzy Botwinski contributed as well.
Match two highlights were the same trio with score of 168, 214, and 211 respectively.The boys’ squad wasn’t so fortunate against the league’s class, falling 24-6.
“You can’t win a Baker game with five opens (frames), especially against a very good team,” said coach Sherry Miklusicak.
Wayland lost the first Baker game 181-106, but did connect on the second Baker game with a nice 179-167 game.
“Great job here, but the first game margin was too much to overcome to take the lead,” the coach said. “I tried to get a little creative in the lineup and changed some things up, as we were out two of our starters. Imagine going against one of the top teams without two starting players. But some things are beyond our control and it gives other players the chance to step up.”
Taking a point in match one was senior Mark Musgrave III with a fine 192 game. Also rolling well was senior first year bowler Carson Beck 162, freshman Ashton Kasprowicz 152, senior Juan Rodriguez 135, and Senior Deven Gardner 160.
“This match would have been in our favor, but we struggled with the single pin spares,” Miklusicak said. “Only one TK player rolled over 200, so all other matches were within reach.”
In match two, it was Mark Musgrave III taking his point again. Deven Gardner rolled the high game in match two with a 166.
