The Panther bowlers started out uncertain about where the season would take them with their team of one senior, one junior, and three sophomores. The Panthers took second place at the State competition in Tacoma with a score of 7,638 pins

Battleground took first with a score of 8,024. Richland was third with 7,325 and South Kitsap fourth with 6,930. Junior Bethany Symonds placed third in the individual rounds. Symonds scored a 1,258 and an overall average of 209.

“Usually there are three to four seniors on the team,” Coach Jay Young said. “This team has really pulled it together and done an amazing job.”

The team secured first place at Regionals after they started in third place with 822 pins. Their final score was of 3,917. The Panthers top challenge, Moses Lake, was second with 3,862 pins, while Eastmont took third and Eisenhower fourth.

“I think we were a little stressed because we were down and one of the girls was down,” sophomore Jaylah Young said. “Trying to get a lead and cheer her up was difficult, but we pulled through.”

Young scored a 201 and Symonds a 258. Symonds also scored a turkey. Young, Symonds and senior Lexi DaSilva were also ranked as members of the league’s All-Star Team. Wenatchee held three of the five spots. The All-Star team is determined by each of the bowlers average pins from each match.

“I feel we were ready to win. We placed fourth last year,” Jaylah Young said. “Battleground was the toughest team. But we have shaped up this season and we [were] ready to take them on.”