The W.F. West girls bowling team kicked off its 2024-25 season Tuesday night with a 1,777-1,602 win over 3A Prairie.

The Bearcats were missing their anchor in Savanna Hoyt-Siler, who placed third and the 2024 state tournament, but they got over their first-match jitters thanks to Lani Hofoka and Catalina Cerny.

Hofoka and Cerny came off the bench in the middle of the second game with solid performances to help salvage a win.

The Bearcats were led in scoring by Emma Hamilton, who averaged 165, and Aly Wiens, averaging 160. Prairie was led by Izabella Hewes, who averaged 183.

“I’m confident our scores are going to improve dramatically as we get more practice in,” new W.F. West coach Rich Bunker said. 

Bunker added that early in the season, it’s been tough to get a lot of practice at Fairway Lanes, as W.F. West, Centralia, and Rochester have 50 bowlers combined.

“There are only so many lanes available,” Bunker said. “Fairway Lanes owner Jeff Walker is doing a great job helping everyone, and things should open up a bit as the other teams start having away matches.”

Next up for W.F. West is the Ridgefield Spudders at Hazel Dell Lanes in Vancouver on Wednesday night. The Bearcats first league match is on Thursday against Black Hills. All matches begin at 3 p.m.