Plainview-Osmond Lady Pirate bowlers compete at district meet
(By Coach Leonard Risinger) LINCOLN — The Lady Pirates traveled down to Sun Valley Lanes and Games in Lincoln to take part in B-2 districts on Feb. 4. It was another earlier morning in order for the ladies to get down there on time.
Sun Valley was hosting two districts at the same time, so Lady Pirates would get to see a few more team scores in real time to see what they would need to do to try to reach state. Again, there are two ways to reach state for the ladies, like in golf — as a team and as an individual.
The ladies bowled three regular games to get the team score for the bracket for the district champion and to see if their individual scores are high enough to make the top five to individual state.
During the regular games, the ladies were going against the team they were sharing the pair of lanes with.
The first game the Lady Pirates threw about their average score with a 542.
The second and third game showed improvement by the Lady Pirates with a score of 635 and a 601.
After three games, the Lady Pirates had a total pin count of 1,778 which would put them fourth out of five teams. Just like the Pirates, the Lady Pirates would have to take part in the first row in the bracket.
They faced off against Boone Central Cardinals. The Lady Pirates lost twice this year to the Lady Cardinals but this time was different. The Lady Pirates took all three baker’s games and moved on to the next part of the bracket.
The next opponent was the district host, Lincoln Pius X Thunderbolts. The Lady Pirates were showing more emotion and spirit knowing if they won this match, they would at least walk away with district runner up.
After the first two baker's games, the Thunderbolts took a 2-0 lead which meant the Lady Pirates would have to reverse sweep. The Lady Pirates won the next match with a 166, forcing a 4th baker’s game.
However, this is where the Lady Pirates fell short, and the Thunderbolts won in 4 games. I was proud of the Lady Pirates because this was a first for the ladies — force a better team to go extra rounds with them and a best score for a baker’s game. With the one win and loss during baker’s games the Lady Pirates finished the season 4-15 on the season which is the best record for the Lady Pirates.
The individual side was led by Meagan Wagner and Natalee Gatz; both got district medals, but not good enough for make it to state competition. Meagan Wagner threw a 121, 168, and 130 for a total of 419 which placed her in 6th place. Natalee Gatz threw a 108, 141, and 167 for a total of 416, which placed her in 7th place. Other good games were thrown by Lucea Miller with a 127 in the second game and Nyome Harding with a 118 in the first game.
A special shutout to the Harding family from the Lincoln area that came down and watched the Lady Pirates.
It definitely felt as if we were closer to home with all those fans cheering us on, and thank you for all who came to watch the bowlers either at Main Street Alley or away on the road. One more thanks for all that helped score when we were at home.
This is the end of the bowling season for the Pirates, so until next year, Head Coach Leonard Risinger for the Plainview-Osmond Pirates signing off.
Thanks to Rachel Torrey for the two team photos.
