After rolling their way through regionals, the bowling team will compete for the state title on Saturday, April 2. Throughout their season, they have grown closer as a team and learned to work together in a sport that relies on individual skill.

“This journey was very difficult, but extremely fun,” freshman Sarah Nash said. “We struggled at regionals and the team wasn’t doing well due to being super nervous. It was very disappointing, but we kept with it and ended up getting third place.”

Competing for state has been a long process throughout the year.

“The team is preparing for state in a variety of ways on and off the lanes,” coach Crystal Smith said. “We have practice on the lanes multiple times a week from about 8:45 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. at Plano Super Bowl. Off the lanes, the team is becoming more cohesive and supportive of each other. The girls have even created special cheers to do for each other after they strike or spare. I have been preparing for state by doing all the behind the scenes work, from analyzing our competition to creating a safe and enjoyable trip to San Antonio.”

Smith added that the team will be competing against 36 other teams at state,  starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 1st and returning to Lovejoy on Sunday, April 2nd around 4 p.m.

The boys team and girls team are separate, but they practice together on weekdays.

“We practice so late because we have to wait for the adult leagues to finish their games before our lanes are available,” Smith said. “The girls warm up by throwing three to four balls, and then we do different drills. Some of the time the girls work on picking up certain pins, like the 7 or 10 pin since those pins seem to be the most challenging to spare. Other times we practice our games by having a little friendly competition amongst the different skill levels.”   

Throughout the school year they have competed in more than 10 tournaments with hopes of making it to state.

“We have done all we can to prepare, and now we have to do our best and work as hard as possible,” freshman Kaitlyn Cinek said.

Many of the members are grateful for this experience and the things that have come along with it.

“I am so thankful for all of the memories and relationships I’ve gained this year,” freshman Carson Moore said. “I love being able to get exercise from I have grown so close to so many people I wouldn’t have met if I weren’t on the bowling team.”