High Scores and Intensity: Bombers Triumph over Chiawana - By Brooklynn Boyce
Bomber Girls Varsity Team have brought their A-game to the lanes this season. To kick off their first couple of matches, these ladies have blown their competition out of the water. An outstanding score of 1734-1512 vs The Hanford Falcons and another impressive 1716-1420 against Southridge. This squad has an undeniable spark of determination and raw talent for taking down the pins. Tonight, the Bombers played a nail-biter of a game. However, it was nothing they could not handle. The winning streak remains, and Bomber pride reigns! Final Score; Richland 1863, Chiawana 1818.
I had the opportunity to speak to a former Bomber athlete at the match, Emilee Pennington. Pennington was able to give applause to the Lady Bombers and express her enjoyment of attending her first Bomber Bowling Meet. “The atmosphere at this game was truly not what I was expecting. From a large crowd to two teams with lots of intensity, it was definitely a fun experience. The Bombers also have some true talent on the team. I will be keeping up with bowling now because I have a feeling some of these girls will make it very far this season.” From the constant loud cheering for each other to hive five after high five, the Bomb Squad knows that they set the tone of the game. Their burning passion set fire to the lanes. The visual love for this sport was demonstrated on the scoreboard.
Some bowlers deserve extra applause. Miley Lakey and Ali LeMieux's performance tonight stuck out. In the first game, Lakey helped Richland rack up some points big time. 15+ strikes for Lakey was impressive. Miley brought in a score of 190 and 138 alone. This MVP rarely left pins hanging. The whole evening, her team could be confident she would score 9, spare, or a full strike! Not only has the 2024 roster been outshining the competition, but Lakey’s own future shines bright in the bowling world.
Teamwork is the key to the game. Many aren’t aware of the team sport culture this game brings. The pressure was on when the final 2 games, The Baker, began. The baker is a quick 2 rounds after the normal 2 games during the match. The difference is that instead of each player getting 2 individual rolls and scores, 5 players get one bowl and then switch players in the same frame. The teams can only be successful if they, one, set each other up for success and, two, pick each other up when one fails. The Hawks and Bombers had been neck and neck all night. Just as Bare mentioned, mentality is everything. The focus was more than ever. Even though the girls felt disappointed at times with their previous performances, they were able to get the job done. In both final games, the Bombers cracked 140. Baker Game 1, RHS 140, CHS 117. Baker Game 2, RHS 148, CHS 121.
Although this team has athletes who are creating the Bomber culture, credit is due to their stellar coach, Jason Bear. Mr. Bear is a Richland High math teacher. If you're looking for a mentor who will praise your accomplishments and be by your side through the sorrows, he is the guy. Even from the sidelines, there wasn't a moment Bare wasn’t hyping up his team and exerting his joy for their great rolls. After the game, I was able to speak with him myself; even though some of the girls walked away with a sour face from a loss, Jason was thrilled to speak about his team, which he cares deeply about. “The Bombers did great!” Bare exclaimed, “This is the highest game they have scored so far. They had lots of grit and fought back when they got down.” Bear also elaborated on the question; How will the team prepare for the next match? “Staying in the game for sure. Working our mentality is big for us. After getting a split, I was able to come back.” In any sport, the mental aspect is just as important as the physical delivery; any witness of the Bomber Bowling team knows this group is special. However, if the athletes themselves can't battle the thoughts of doubt, success will often not be found.
In conclusion, the Bomb Squad has shown great promise this season, but to continue their success, they must maintain their mental toughness and dedication to hard work. As they prepare for upcoming matches against Hermiston and Kennewick, staying focused during practice and refining their skills will be key. The Bombers will need to push through challenges, support one another, and maintain a high level of intensity to keep their winning streak alive. With their determination and commitment, they are ready to face whatever comes next in their journey.
