PHS Bowling Team. Photo by Mr. Maisonet.

By Janessa Mejias ‘19

Passiac High School’s Bowling team is striking this season. The boys and girls bowling teams, coached by Mr. Maisonet and Mr. Vogas, made it to the state tournaments. The boys team competed on February 1 at Lodi Lanes with top scoring members such as captain Michael Polanco and Nino Polanco. The girls team also got their chance to compete at states on Saturday, February 10 at Bowler City with top bowlers Ashley Tepale and the captain Jocelyn Martinez.

One of the biggest challenges for the team, according to Tepale, “was trying to keep each other up when one person’s mood came down.”
However, both boys and girls were supportive towards each other’s teams. “Everyone in the team supported each other. The girls would cheer the guys on during their big games like States, or just a regular game. The guys would do the same for us. Michael and Nino are the loudest cheerers on the team!” Tepale added.

Michael Polanco was named First Team All-County for boys and Ashley Tepale was named Second Team All-County for girls. Both were top scorers of their respective teams.

Boys Varsity team members are Jesus Martinez, Allan Santos, Michael Polanco, and Nino Polanco. Girls Varsity team members are Jocelyn Martinez, Ashley Tepale, Nalleli Munoz, and Karime Henriquez.

Some notable highlights of the season are that the team was one of only two teams to defeat the defending champs Clifton Mustangs for the boys. Also, PHS was the only girls varsity team to beat the champions Bergen Tech in two games. This game is the only blemish on their record this year in our division.

Captain Michael Polanco said,  “Our biggest accomplishment as a team this year is that even though most students were new to bowling this year, they all were able to develop skills like veterans.”

Polanco and Tepale both mentioned their team strength and unity when speaking of their athlete peers.

“Coach and I helped the players develop skills such as moving left to right and staying focused. However, the most important part of being on the team is being able to have fun with the game and your teammates while also being dedicated and serious,” said Polanco.