The Westside High School girls bowling team delivered a standout performance at the Metro tournament, showing strong teamwork and resilience as they prepare for District competition at Papio bowl next week.
The team played well throughout the day, with Senior Manuela Kate earning the number one individual spot after qualifying and being named captain of the All Tournament team. Senior Sarah Rosloniec also shined, placing 5th overall to earn First Team honors. As a team, Westside qualified third overall, setting themselves up for Baker play with confidence.
“This group gels as a team,” head coach Keith Schneider said. “They trust each other and stay confident, even when things get tight.”
Kate shared how she prepared for the tournament a pre match McMuffin breakfast with Dr. Pepper , a meditation session that set her intention of finishing in the top 10, and careful consideration of lane conditions, switching from her Phase 2 to her Theron Pearl bowling ball. She credited her success to focusing on consistency in individual games, hitting her mark and picking up spares, while relying on support from coaches, teammates and family.
“I was excited to see my grandpa come and support me,” Kate said. “He’s one of my inspirations because when my mom was growing up he would bowl six out of seven nights a week.”
In Baker play, Westside defeated Millard North 3-0, papillon la vista 3-1 and Bellevue East 3-1, advancing to the championship match against Millard South, the #2 team in the state. After falling behind 2-0 in the finals, the warriors won the next two games, forcing a fifth match. Although they ultimately fell in the final game, taking one of the state’s top teams to five game highlighted the skills of Westside.
“Taking a team like Millard South to five games says a lot about who we are,” Schneider said. “There are a lot of positives we can take from this heading into districts.”
Kate reflected on how she handles pressure and prepares for future competitions.
“I was able to win a roll off by staying calm and focused,” Kate said. “Going into Districts, I just have to string strikes and spares together, pick up my spares, and take it one frame at a time. I’m nervous, but I tend to thrive under pressure.”
Finishing as Metro runner up, with two individuals on the All Tournament team and a top five state ranking, the westside girls head into district as the top seed in their district, full of confidence and momentum.
