“Bowling is a very different sport to coach because most of the girls come to the team to with no experience,” said Mercy Bowling team’s head coach Ms. Vicky Kowalski.

Despite the difficulty of coaching new athletes, Ms. Kowalski is already leading her squad to success this season.  In the team’s Conference Singles Tournament, senior Ashlei Brooks tied for second place, senior Carly Bartes received fourth place, and junior Heather Lillystone received sixth place. They all won all-tournament medals. Sophomore Lilian Lebednick scored ninth place and is beginning to show potential, according to Ms. Kowalski.

“[Lebednick] is definitely pushing to be in the starting lineup,” Kowalski said.

The Bowling team placed seventh out of 14 teams at the North Farmington Tournament in November.

“We are ready to improve in the upcoming tournaments in January,” said Ms. Kowalski.

The team is led by seniors Carly Bartes, Ashlei Brooks, T’yara McMillan, and Arianna Watson. Junior Heather Lillystone completes the lineup. Over the course of the season, new bowlers learn “the four step delivery” and the proper technique of releasing the ball. The girls then learn to focus on hitting a target instead of aiming for the pins.

“During meets we have fun with the boys bowling next to us,” Ms. Kowalski said. “The girls and boys share high fives after good shots.”

Ms. Kowalski has high hopes for the remainder of the season.

“This year, the bowling team is aiming to repeat as Catholic League Champions and to qualify for the state championship,” Ms. Kowalski said.