Kennedy High School Girls’ Bowling Team closed out their season, finishing fifth at the Iowa 3A State Tournament in Des Moines.
After an undefeated regular season, the Cougars proved to be top five in the 3A class. The team missed the opportunity for another year of winning championships after missing the top bracket by three points.
“Heading into the tournament, my goal was to defend our title as 3A State Champions,” senior Lily Bader said. “We missed the top bracket by three pins and came in fifth.”
Senior Captain Daisy Slater placed sixth overall at the Individual State Tournament, advancing to bracket play after finishing in the top eight, where she maintained her place as the sixth best girl’s bowler.
“I had a few rough meets where I barely got 300 for two games, that’s a 150 average for 206 average girls,” Slater said. “I was able to bounce back from them, though, and ended up being the girl with the highest average (206), highest pinfall (3714 for 18 total games), and high game (255) of the season.”
Slater surpassed her goal of shooting a 600 series and competed against top bowlers in the state. She raised her average from 170 last year to 206 this season, finishing with the highest average on the team.
Elaina Chesmore delivered another performance for Kennedy at the Individual State Tournament, placing seventh overall with a 617 series. She opened with 245, followed by a 171 and 201 to secure her top ten finish. Chesmore’s scoring helped place Kennedy among the state’s top individual performers. Her 245 stood out as one of the stronger single games of the tournament.
“As I finished 7th,” Chesmore said. “It wasn’t what I wanted, because everyone wants to win, but I accomplished something not many people could accomplish. A lot of people wish to be in the place I am, and they wish they could’ve bowled at the state, so making it was special.”
Kiera Foye also represented Kennedy at the state level, finishing 16th overall with a 579 series. Foye rolled games of 202, 193, and 184 remaining deep in the 3A field. Her performance added to Kennedy’s presence at the state tournament.
“We faced plenty of challenges this season, including facing off with Dubuque Senior, the team that made us lose our perfect record last season at their home,” said Bader “I am still very proud of my team and everything we have accomplished during my 4 years with this team. I am sad it’s over, but so excited for my next steps in my bowling career!”
