For the first time in Cathedral Prep history, there is a bowling team representing the school during the winter sports season.

The women’s bowling team, coached by theology teacher Mr. Bell and former administrative assistant Mrs. Barbara Parker looks to improve upon last season when they finished second in the league and sent two bowlers, Elena Kacprowicz and Emalie Thomas, to states.

Last season, when Mr. Bell offered Mrs. Parker the chance to be an assistant coach, she jumped at the opportunity. She boasts many years of bowling experience, having bowled since she was 12 years old, and felt ready to transition from player to coach.

“At this stage, I feel I am a much better coach than bowler,” Mrs. Parker said.

She enjoys the challenges of helping each bowler make individual improvements.

“It’s more involved than just throwing the ball down the lane,” she said.

The team’s first match took place on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at Rolling Meadow Lanes against Erie High School, where they bowled to a 21-7 victory.

Mr. Bell and Mrs. Parker were both “extremely proud of the team’s performance and victory” in the first match of the season.

They were also victorious in their second match against Mercyhurst Preparatory School, 24-4. The team faces McDowell on Wednesday, Dec. 20. The season lasts until mid-February.

A possible victory in the McDowell rivalry match is one of many season highlights that bowlers have been looking forward to and have hoped to accomplish since last season.

“We will use the techniques from last year and better them,” sophomore Ava Hensler said. “We hope to beat McDowell and make it to states.”