There may not be a more improved girls’ bowling team in the state than the combined squad from Ankeny.
After placing seventh in the CIML Conference meet a year ago, the Ankeny girls’ team took second in this year’s meet on Thursday at Game Day Lanes. Waukee won the team title with a score of 2,692, while coach Nick Payton’s squad earned runner-up honors in the seven-team field with a 2,260 total.
“While the girls’ team came in second, Waukee is a championship caliber team that we have battled with this season,” said Payton. “The CIML has really good bowling, and every team brought their ‘A’ game. We had to show up, and I am proud to say we accomplished a lot.”
The Ankeny boys’ team, meanwhile, finished seventh overall with a total of 2,185.
“This meet was good practice for what the district bowling format looks like,” Payton said. “I am proud of the way both teams competed. While it was a tiring day, both teams worked through the adversity of constantly bowling. This will prepare us for districts to compete and earn a place at state.”
The Ankeny girls’ squad was led by the duo of Johanna Shaw and Olivia Harris. They both earned first-team all-conference honors.
Shaw placed third with a 568 series for three games, including a 239 in her second game. Harris bowled a 218 in her second game and took fourth overall with a 555 total.
Harris had placed eighth in the CIML meet in each of the previous two seasons.
“We were all very happy with how we bowled together and are excited for substate,” said Harris.
Kali Ogg placed 14th with a 494 series, while Brooklyn Dietz finished 18th with a 439 total. Savannah Dye rolled a 377 series, and Ava Johnson added a 369.
Preston Carr led the Ankeny boys’ team with an 11th-place finish. He earned second-team all-conference honors.
“Shout out to assistant coach (Adam) Booth and the team,” Payton said. “We work on creating a game plan for success in every meet. Climbing the ladder to success is a collaborative effort.”
The Ankeny teams will now prepare for next week’s district meets. The girls’ squad will compete on Monday at Bowlerama Lanes in Des Moines, while the boys’ team will travel to Sioux City on Tuesday for the meet at Plaza Bowl.
