The unmistakable sound of crashing pins echoed through the packed Daffodil Bowl on Tuesday afternoon as the Bonney Lake Panthers kicked off their second season in style. Facing the Sumner Spartans in a rivalry renewed on their shared home lanes, the Panthers claimed a decisive victory, winning by 207 pins. It was a powerful statement as Bonney Lake begins its journey in the SPSL 4A division after an impressive inaugural season in 3A, highlighted by a league third-place finish and a star-making performance at state from now-sophomore Jayden Thayer.
The Daffodil Bowl, bustling with six schools in simultaneous matchups, was standing room only—a fittingly electric atmosphere for this early-season showdown. For Bonney Lake, the pressure only fueled their fire.
Game 1: Steady Start Sets the Tone
The Panthers jumped out strong in the opening game, building a 126-pin lead over the Spartans. Thayer, who finished third in state last year, wasted no time reminding everyone why she’s a force to be reckoned with. Her smooth delivery and calm under pressure resulted in a solid 191. Supporting her effort were Brooke Musial (132), Aubrey Strickling (125), Violet Vincent (118), and Briean Huynh (96). It was a team effort that set the tone early and left Sumner scrambling to keep pace.
Game 2: Thayer on Fire
If Game 1 was a warm-up, Game 2 was a showcase. Thayer found her rhythm and delivered a dazzling 229, featuring a hambone (four consecutive strikes) in the first four frames. Every strike elicited cheers from the Bonney Lake faithful, who packed the stands behind her lane. Not to be outdone, her teammates stepped up as well, with Huynh (144), Strickling (143), Musial (124), and Vincent (65) keeping the momentum alive. Despite a strong final frame from Sumner, the Panthers closed out the game with a commanding 114-pin victory.
Baker Drama: Excitement to Spare
In high school bowling, the format shifts after the opening two games to Bakers—team games where each bowler contributes two frames. While the Panthers stumbled slightly here, losing both Bakers, they delivered plenty of drama along the way. In the first Baker, Thayer struck out the final frame, thrilling the crowd despite the narrow loss. The second Baker saw Sumner claw back a few more pins, but it wasn’t enough to rattle the Panthers, who held firm for their first win in 4A competition.
Looking Ahead
As the Panthers celebrate their season-opening victory, they’ll turn their attention to the next challenge against South Kitsap: a Thursday, November 21st matchup at Daffodil Bowl at 3:30 p.m. With Thayer leading the way and a team hungry to build on last year’s success, Bonney Lake is a team to watch in the SPSL 4A division.
For now, they’ll savor the win, the excitement, and the unmistakable energy of their home opener—a sign that girls bowling has firmly arrived in Bonney Lake.
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