New lineup bowls to victory

SUNNYSIDE — Having to deal with lineup changes and the ups-and-downs of building new chemistry in season bore fruit last night for the Moses Lake High School Chiefs’ bowling team.

The Chiefs travelled to Sunnyside and despite some experimentation with coach Billy Brice’s lineup they pulled away for a convincing 3-0 win over their hosts.

A tie was recorded in the second regular game.

In game one the Chiefs rolled off a 717-656 win.

Mariah Palmen led the squad with a 177.

The tie game finished at 717 apiece with Palmen leading with a 165, while Bianca Martiniez supported the cause with a 152.

When the Chiefs hit the baker games their new lineup really took off.

The first one saw Moses Lake win 193-131 and they followed that up with a 176-139 victory in the final competition of the evening.

“Those were the two best baker games we’ve bowled in a while,” Brice said. “It was very good to see the girls jell well together.”

The non-league match also gave the Chiefs the opportunity to give “the future” of the program some time to work together.

Brice’s lineup included, juniors Crystal Balderas, Brittany Simpson, Brittany Ledbetter, and Martinez along with sophomore Brittany Ledbetter.

Those five could form not only this year’s team for the remainder of the season but potentially the 2010-11 lineup along with Brice’s daughter Shanice, who has been out this week.

“We’re looking forward to the regional playoffs,” Billy Brice said. “We’re probably going to finish a solid third place. It’s all about the big dance now. One team goes. You win and you move on.”

The Chiefs (9-3, 7-3) finish their regular season schedule Tuesday at Chiawana.

Regionals are on January 26th at top-seeded Kennewick.