Bowlers roll into post-season action
The 2011-12 Moses Lake High School Bowling Team. Pictured in the front row from left are Gloria Saucedo, Heather Liggett, Mikayla Moreno, Emma Santoyo, Stephanie Rojas and Nicole Bravo. Middle row from left are Courtney Ingram, Richa Suglani, Aimee Lopez, Kaula Steffler, Tori Foster, Audicella Vargas and Ashleigh Harsh. Back row from left are coach Billy Bryce, Coral Brownlee, Breanne Garry, Alejandra Serrano, Allie Clemons, Jessica Craig, Zhane Serrano, Jessie Saumerau, Liz Busherd, assistant coach Dan Stevenson and assistant coach Carolyn Jojnson.
MOSES LAKE - Moses Lake High School girls bowling coach Billy Bryce had modest goals for his young team this season; Work hard on the fundamental basics of the game, try and execute good shots, and don't get down on yourself when things don't go right.
The formula he hoped, would at the very least, "help the girls compete" in the Big Nine.
So when the team won the first match of the year, Bryce and his coaching staff dared to ponder the results.
"We were actually surprised they did it," he said. "We were hoping the girls would do well, but when they won the coaches were all excited and wondered if they could keep it up?"
Well wonder no more as the Chiefs are headed to the district tournament at Spare Time Lanes in Kennewick Jan. 25.
Moses Lake finished the season at 4-4, just two games back of league champion Wenatchee (6-2).
"The girls are really excited to be going to districts," Bryce said. "They are really bowling well right now. They are confident in their game and feel they can compete with anyone."
Seven bowlers will make the post-season trek to Kennewick next week. The core of the Chiefs team is led by junior Zhane Serrano who has a 153 pin average. Close behind her are juniors Breanne Gray (145), Allie Clemons (138), and Courtney Ingram who rolls a 134 average.
Also making the trip are freshmen Ashleigh Hash (142), Mikayla Moreno (123), and sophomore Kayla Steffler (117).
"Those three will play a big role in our rotation," Bryce said. "We lost Torri Foster (139) who moved last week (and Jessica Craig mid-way through the season), so we're hoping one of them will step up and fill her shoes."
The team may not be at full strength, but Bryce and his coaching staff like their chances at the district tournament.
"I really think we'll do well," he said. "Maybe this will be a bookend year for us. Win our first match of the year and our last and to go to state."