Moses Lake bowlers strike up win over Eisenhower

MOSES LAKE — It was a different set of lineups but it still meant something, when Moses Lake’s bowling team played host to Big 9 defending champions Eisenhower at Lake Bowl yesterday.

In the end there was enough pinpoint bowling for the Chiefs to win via pin count — 1882 to 1708 — in a 2-2 decision.

Yet, despite the dominating pin count, Moses Lake head coach Billy Brice would not take the win to heart.

He noted it from the get-go, during the first regular  game win, 774-700

“There was nothing really special going on since we came out pretty tight again,” Bily Brice said. “They had no pep in their swing and we were fortunate to win. They lacked enthusiasm.”

Brice said he believes his squad showed its ability to win.

Mariah Palmen bowled a 207 in the second regular game to spark consecutive game wins to help Moses Lake record a 843-678 margin.

“The great thing about Mariah’s game was that it was clean with no open frames,” Billy Brice said. “She really stayed down on the shot and threw the ball a lot firmer. She had a very consistent game. Mariah bowled five strikes.”

Amanda Strzelczyk followed up her game-high 178 from the opening regular game to record a 192.

Shanice Brice also shot a 192 to contribute to the win.

“Amanda and Shanice just beared down,” Billy Brice said. “Sometimes you have to learn to bear down even if you don’t feel up to bowling. I was very pleased with the 843. They really tried to fire up more, screaming and hollering and high-fiving. That was the turnaround.”

With such a big lead, the baker games were literally non-factors on the final outcome. No score could be registered to allow Eisenhower a chance to win.

Billy Brice said he experimented in both games to give some JV kids a shot in a varsity match to get a feel for the competition.

In the first game the Chiefs lost 152-137.

“It was not too bad,” Billy Brice. “They played pretty good and even had a chance, but they tailed off at the end.”

In the final game of the day, Moses Lake High School fell 169-128, dropping their second consecutive baker.

Billy Brice said he went to the regular varsity team but noted “they weren’t focused,” due to having already won.

“They weren’t happy with their bowling but they found a way to win,” Billy Brice said. “We just will get up and get ready again for next week when we go to Wenatchee on Tuesday.”

Moses Lake is 2-1 overall and stand in second place through the first full week of the season.

“The girls are happy that they found a way to win,” Billy Brice said. “Eisenhower is a well coached team.”