Girls bowling: Strong turnout bolsters Wolves on lanes

Randy Perry is seeing a youth movement in Sequim High’s girls bowling program.

Just three athletes on this year’s roster are upperclassmen (one senior, two junior), leaving another 14 athletes with one year or less of experience.

“They start picking it up mid-season,” said Perry, entering his 15th season of coaching the Wolves.

“(It’s a success) as long as they have fun and understand it’s a commitment. Most of them have never played a sport.”

A low turnout could be expected for a sport that, like other prep sports had to manage play during the COVID pandemic. But the Wolves also have to manage having a “home” venue in Port Angeles.

But the Olympic League may be seeing a resurging interest in the sport, Perry noted; schools such as North Mason saw a big turnout, too, with 30-plus hitting the lanes.

The Wolves lost to graduation Madison McKeown, a three-time state qualifier, as well as Gabby Mattern-Hall and Morgan Tate.

But returning to lead the Wolves is Perry’s granddaughter Morgan Kayser, who posted strong early season scores, and sophomore Nikoline Updkie, who bowled her way to a state berth last season and placed 41st as a freshman.

Most of the Wolves, however, are learning the fundamentals this season. Perry said the part newcomers struggle the most with is the mechanics, everything from the approach to the line to what foot to land before releasing the ball.

The coordination isn’t there, he said, “because they’ve never been taught.”

He said he’s encouraging the squad to not be concerned about winning or losing matches, but to focus on getting better in preparation for the Olympic League tournament, set this year for Jan. 19.

Bulldogs top SHS in season opener

Sequim’s bowling team dropped its season-opener at North Mason 6-1 on Nov. 8. But both regular scoring matches were close, with the Bulldogs edging the Wolves 590-551 and 578-553. Sequim won the second Baker game, 83-80.

Morgan Kayser led the Wolves with top scorers in both games (143 and 137) while Nikoline Updike bowled a 234-pin series (116-118).

Winter sports preview: SHS bowling

Head coach: Randy Perry (15th season)

2021-2022 record: 6-4

Returning players: Morgan Kayser, Nikoline Updike, Olivia Ostlund, River Jensen, Jovi Weller, Matilda Lundstrom, Ginger Hiatt, Kimberly Heintz, Victoria Nava

Newcomers: Charlie Blake, Isabella Cornell, Kai Folstrom, Sabrina Herbelin, Ahrya Klinger, Paige Krzyworz, Keira Morey, Ariana Salas

2022-2023 SHS bowling schedule

Date Opponent Time

Nov. 8 at North Mason 2:45 p.m.

Nov. 10 Bremerton* 2:45 p.m.

Nov. 17 at Klahowya 2:45 p.m.

Nov. 22 at Bremerton 2:45 p.m.

Nov. 29 at Olympic 2:45 p.m.

Dec. 1 North Mason* 2:45 p.m.

Dec. 8 at Klahowya 2:45 p.m.

Dec. 13 at North Mason 2:45 p.m.

Dec. 15 Klahowya* 2:45 p.m.

Jan. 10 at Olympic 2:45 p.m.

Jan. 12 Olympic* 2:45 p.m.

Jan. 13 Bremerton* 2:45 p.m.

Jan. 19 Olympic League tournament, Silverdale TBA

Jan. 28 District tournament TBA

* — SHS home matches are at Laurel Lanes, 108 W. Eighth St., Port Angeles

Sequim’s Nikoline Updike bowls in a home match against Bremerton on Nov. 10.

SEQUIM GAZETTE PHOTOS BY Michael Dashiell Randy Perry, Sequim High’s girls bowling team coach, talks with his squad before a home match against Bremerton at Port Angeles’ Laurel Lanes on Nov. 10.