Moses Lake opens new year with road win

PASCO - A new bowling season allows for hope and optimism to shine through once again for the Moses Lake High School team.

It also serves as the beginning of the final season of senior Shanice Brice.

If Wednesday night's opener in Pasco is any indication it could be one memorable last dance as a high school bowler.

Brice bowled a two-game total of 371 in the two regular games against Pasco and aided the visiting Chiefs' sweep of the baker games as Moses Lake cruised to a 4-0 whitewash of their hosts.

In the first regular game, Brice bowled a 170 while Brittany Ledbetter finished with a team-high 173.

Crystal Balderas rounded out the first game, 723-656 win for the Chiefs (1-0).

"It was a pretty good win for the girls," Moses Lake head coach Billy Brice said. "But it was in the second game we really came together and bowled really consistent."

That second regular game saw Brice torment the Pasco bowlers as they stood and watched the Chief finish with a 201 game.

Ashlann Starkweather added a strong score of 156, while Balderas ended up with a 149, Ledbetter came in with a 139, and Brittany Simpson rounded out the 781-691 team win, with a score of 136.

"It's all about baby steps at first but we're going in the right direction," Billy Brice said. "I am just real happy with how we've started and that we're getting some positive results."

Moses Lake swept the two baker games by scores of 174-134 and 134-125.

In the 40-pin win, Shanice Brice struck out in the 10th frame to clinch the team win.

In the final baker game, coach Brice changed up the lineup a bit and gave some other bowlers a chance to open up their own personal ledgers on the new season.

"We made some changes and did some things to see where we could improve," Billy Brice said.

Moses Lakes next match will be at perennial Big 9 powers, Kennewick, who has dropped to the 3A level this season, starting at 3:30 p.m.