Cardinal bowling teams knock down Clarke

NEWTON — The Newton boys’ bowling team is starting off 2014 on a winning note. The Cardinal boys captured their first win of the season, defeating Clarke of Osceola Saturday.

It was a clean sweep for the Cardinal bowling teams on their home lanes — Cardinal Lanes. The girls and boys varsity teams and the NHS junior varsity teams won their dual competitions with the Indians and Lady Indians.

The Newton varsity boys posted a 2,440 score against Clarke’s 2,397. Their Baker games were 138, 147, 146, 187, 183 for an 801 score.

Newton’s girls improved to 5-0 in varsity dual action. They defeated Clarke (4-1) 2,277-1,955. Their Baker games went 154, 206, 141, 203, 125 for a total of 829.

“This was a huge win for the boys against the 4-1 Clarke team,” said Seth Banwell, Newton bowling coach.  “We talked about staying positive and remaining calm during intense moments of the meets.  I think it really made a difference today.”

Banwell said the Cardinal boys only had a six-pin lead over Clarke after the individual games.  He said the Newton boys recovered after making poor shots and made great lane adjustments.

“They were more determined and focused this meet and built their lead each Baker game,” Banwell said.

Payton Cox led the charge for the Cardinal boys with a 373. He rolled a 204 in his opening game and finished with a 169 in the second. Jake Karlzen came up with a 356 total (189, 167). Alex Bare finished with a 285 after having a 96 in the his opener, he came back with a 189.

“ As the lanes were getting dryer, Payton moved his feet and target left to get into the pocket,” Banwell said. “I was proud of Payton for quickly reading the lanes to find the pocket.  Jake Karlzen and Bryan McMahon also gave solid performances averaging 179 per game.  The boys are working better as a team and hopefully this taste of victory will help them the second half of the season.”

Nick VanSteeg had a total of 268 (147,121) and Reid Miller finished with a 262 (129,133). Bryan McMahon threw a 257 total (189,168).

“The girls had another great day on the lanes, winning by 322 pins. The girls’ individual scores were very close averaging from 139 to 160 pins,” Banwell said. “ None of the girls bowled an extremely high game, but each person pulled their weight and bowled very well.”

Madison Humphrey paced the Cardinal girls with a 320 (160, 160) while Erica Bailey rolled a 306 (169, 137). Melanie Stice posted a 297 (157, 140) and Mariah Gonzales had a 293 (180, 113). Bailee Stier had games of 130 and 148 for a 278 and Courtney Tabor shot a 242 (119, 123).

After the individual games, the girls had a 228-pin lead.  During the Baker round, the girl’s rallied together and really extended their lead; throwing two huge games of 203 and 206, Banwell said.

“The girls are very supportive of each other and cheer when a great shot is thrown and give encouragement when needed,” Banwell said.

Newton’s bowling teams travel to Knoxville this coming Saturday, taking on Knoxville and Oskaloosa.