Winter sports preview: Mix of veterans, newcomers to hit lanes for SHS bowling squad

By Michael Dashiell • December 1, 2021 1:30 am
Sequim High’s 2021-2022 bowling squad gathers for a group photos at their first match of the season in Port Angeles, a 5-0 win over Bremerton on Nov. 10. Photo by Randy Perry
Sequim High’s 2021-2022 bowling squad gathers for a group photos at their first match of the season in Port Angeles, a 5-0 win over Bremerton on Nov. 10. Photo by Randy Perry

One year removed from an abridged 2020-2021 season, Sequim’s bowling team has one of the deepest and experienced squads its had in Randy Perry’s long tenure as head coach.

The Wolves return five bowlers — four of them varsity starters — as they once again look forward to a full season and chance at district and state tourneys.

“They’re a good group,” Perry said.

Back on the lanes is senior Madison McKeown, a state qualifier as a freshman and sophomore who placed 11th overall at the league finals earlier this year.

Also back are senior veterans Gabby Mattern-Hall and Morgan Tate, along with sophomores Morgan Kayser and Olivia Ostlund, and promising newcomers Nikoline Updike, a freshman, and Sydney Hegtvedt, a sophomore.

“(We’re) definitely relying on Madison and Gabby; they’re our two heavy hitters. I want them to pump their teammates,” Perry said.

The coach, now in his 14th season with Sequim, said he thinks the Wolves have a shot at second in the Olympic League behind perennial powerhouse Klahowya, with a pair of early-season wins over Bremerton under Sequim’s belt and significant roster turnover at North Mason and Olympic.

Without an alley in the Wolves’ hometown, Sequim’s bowling squad travels to Port Angeles’ Laurel Lanes once a week for practice and for league matches. Perry said they’ll increase practice time in early 2022 as Sequim players prep for league and district tournaments.

Wolves win opener

Sequim got a clutch win in their season opener on Nov. 10, edging Bremerton 5-0 on the strength of two solid Baker games.

Following a rare tie in the first game (571-571), the Wolves edged the Knights in the second game 566-560 before winning the Baker-format games 137-110 and 154-114.

Madison McKeown paced Sequim with a 303-pin series, including a match-high 170-pin second game, while Gabby Mattern-Hall posted consecutive 127-pin games.

Klahowya handed SHS its first loss of the season on Nov. 18, though Sequim managed to take a couple of points off the Eagles on the strength of two strong Baker games (140-133, 146-139).

Sequim (2-1) rebounded by beating Bremerton a second time, a 5-2 victory on Nov. 23. McKeown paced the Wolves with a 329-pin series (161, 168)), backed ably by Mattern-Hall (240-pin series) and Nikoline Updike (234 pins).

The Wolves’ first match of the season set for Nov. 9 at North Mason was canceled because of poor weather conditions that suspended travel.

SHS bowling season preview

Head coach: Randy Perry (14th season)

Returners: Madison McKeown (sr.), Gabby Mattern-Hall (sr.), Morgan Tate (sr.), Morgan Kayser (so.), Olivia Ostlund (so.)

Newcomers: Maranda Blake (so.), Sydney Hegtvedt (so.), Kimberly Heintz (fr.), Giner Hyatt (N/A), River Jensen (so.), Matilda Lundstrom (jr.), Victoria Nava (fr.), Navlin Rottman (so.), Nikoline Updike (fr.), Jovi Weller (fr.)

SHS bowling 2021 schedule

Date Opponent Time

Nov. 9 at North Mason 3 p.m.

Nov. 10 Bremerton 3 p.m.

Nov. 18 Klahowya 3 p.m.

Nov. 23 at Bremerton 3 p.m.

Nov. 30 at Olympic 3 p.m.

Dec. 2 North Mason 3 p.m.

Dec. 9 Klahowya 3 p.m.

Dec. 14 at North Mason 3 p.m.

Dec. 16 at Klahowya 3 p.m.

Jan. 4 at Olympic 3 p.m.

Jan. 6 Olympic 3 p.m.

Jan. 11 at Bremerton 3 p.m.

Jan. 20 Olympic Leagur tourney, Silverdale TBA

Jan. 29 District tourney, TBA