BY GERARDO BOLONG
Contributing Writer
FEDERAL WAY - Decatur High School outscored Kennedy Catholic to earn a 4-1 North Puget Sound League 4A girls bowling team win against the Lancers on Tues., Dec. 12, at Secoma Lanes.
The continually developing Lancer squad had a tough afternoon on the Lanes, but remained in third place with a 4-3 record to lead Hazen (3-4), Todd Beamer (1-7) and Federal Way (0-7). Powerhouse Thomas Jefferson (7-0) and Decatur (6-1) lead the pack.
As can be gleaned by the standings, experience plays a huge role in achievement. The TJ Raiders have a trio of bowlers who are capable of nailing down 200-games or near-200 scores. Decatur also has potential for some high scores.
These top teams have participants that are well past basic bowling level with the ability to utilize higher ball speeds with the striking power of strong, late-breaking hooks as well as spare conversions.
In its second year of team bowling under first-year head coach Steve Woodcock, the Lady Lancers have come a long way.
"We have a lot of players who had little experience or never bowled before the school offered bowling," said Woodcock. "Girls used to bowl in the 20's and 30's. Today, we bowled below average. The flu went through the team, so we had some varsity players start out lower (junior varsity or C-squad) to get their physical stamina back. New people played and had a chance to find out how to handle the pressure."
Under the KC system, the top two bowlers from jv and C-team in practice can bowl on varsity the next match.
The league rules also allow the squads to have two substitutes during the matches. A team can put in a substitute before or during a game, but the sub has to finish the game.
Team match rules involve five possible points. Games one and two are decided each decided by total pin fall. The next two points are decided in one game Baker Bowl rules. Each team member is responsible to bowl a complete frame before the next bowler in order fills a frame. This continues until the game is completed.
Beyond the first four team points, another point is gained by the total pin fall of the first two games and the two Baker Format games.
Varsity, JV and C-team are all competing in separate team matches, but individual players can be called up to varsity in the same time frame.
Led by the Ruth U.'s 190 and 179, respectively the Gators powered to victory in a 745-544 first game and a 703-528 second game mastery.
Decatur clichéd the team win with a composite 158-102 Baker win before the Lancers took the second Baker game 131-111. Total pin fall showed the Gators at 1,717 to the Lancer total of 1,305.
Great enthusiasm is displayed as the turn out for bowling is huge in numbers.
More importantly is how the girls enjoy the experience.
Gracie Still led Kennedy Catholic with a 148 first game after an excellent opening eight frames. Combine with her second game 115, she lead the Lancers in series. as well.
"I enjoy being part of the team," she said. "It's very supportive environment."
Coach Woodcock agreed.
"The girls really enjoy each other's company and like to be together outside of the bowling."
Jordan Hernandez came off the bench (after bowling junior varsity in the first game) to lead the KC second game varsity with a 137.
Woodcock is assisted by Darryl Felix and Mark Ralston.
The Lancers host Jefferson at Hi-Line lanes on Dec. 14 before taking a break until Jan.
On Jan. 3, Kennedy Catholic returns to Secoma Lanes to face Todd Beamer ahead of Jan. 9 date at Secoma against Federal Way. Hazen visits KC at Hi-Line on Jan. 11.
Secoma Lanes will stage the league tournament on Jan. 17 at 3 p.m.
