On Monday, Jan. 27th, the Jones College Prep Girls Bowling Team found much to celebrate as they secured a crushing win against Mathers high school and celebrated their departing seniors. 

With festivities beginning before the bus even arrived at Waveland Bowl, the team’s soon-to-be graduates felt dearly beloved. 

“Our coach, Melissa Flisk, gave the team cookies in the shape of a bowling ball while on the bus,” said co-captain Kaelyn Perez ‘25. “It was nice to feel honored from the very beginning of the night.” 

Once the team had gotten settled at Waveland and felt prepared for the upcoming match, the seniors were presented posters celebrating their time on the team and performance throughout their high school bowling career. 

“The posters were so cute and such a nice touch to the night,” said co-captain Zuri Belcore ‘25. “I could tell that the coaches and the rest of the team had worked on them and I felt genuinely appreciated.” 

The match officially began after the posters were brought out and with high spirits, many JCP bowlers gave their best performances of the season. 

“That was truly one of my best bowling matches,” said Perez. “It felt good to go out on such a high note.”  

The atmosphere remained lively following the victory as the team rallied together to give their thanks and sincere farewells to the seniors. 

“I was happy to see that everyone did not immediately leave after their matches finished up,” said Belcore. “A lot of my teammates stayed behind to thank me and congratulate me.” 

As the night came to a close and the team dispersed, certificates were awarded to the bowlers in the graduating class; a final, tangible keepsake for them to remember their time on the team. 

“I have a lot of great memories from being a bowler, but I’m excited to have something I can actually feel and put up on my wall when I get home,” said Perez. 

But all good things must come to an end, and as the night progressed and many bowlers began to exit the alleyway, the seniors were left with their thoughts. 

“I stayed behind after a lot of the younger members had left and it really began to hit me that I would not bowl for Jones ever again,” said Perez. “It was sad to realize that while I would stay friends with the people on the team, I would never experience another match with them.” 

Many seniors felt the same sense of friendship as they shared this special moment with their teammates. 

“As a first year bowler I felt immediately welcomed by the team and was sad to see this feeling go,” said Leah Malloy ‘25.

Although their time on the team may have come to a close, the graduating lady eagle bowlers expressed gratitude for the time they spent at the lanes.

“I’m going to miss this team and this sport a lot. Everyone was so supportive and the matches were truly so much fun to be at,” said Belcore.