In a game where bigger numbers are better, one small numeral was the difference for the Lawrence High boys bowling team Tuesday afternoon at Royal Crest Lanes

The number: two, as in two pins. The Lions won their fourth dual of the season, but it was by closest margin in the program’s brief history as it squeaked out a 2,249-2,247 victory against Olathe Northwest.

“That’s good, because normally bowling numbers aren’t close,” Lawrence senior David Wyatt said. “It gives it excitement.”

Added LHS senior Tyler Demaline: “It’s good to know that every pin counted. We (usually) either win by a lot or lose by a lot.”

Demaline did his part in the decision, registering a season-high series of 643.

“I was throwing the ball at the same spot,” he said. “I wasn’t hitting all my breaks, but I kind of made up for that with consistency.”

With the close victory, the Lions proved they could beat a team that throttled them in the first match of the year by more than 400 points.

Demaline said his boys team (4-4 in duals) finally had learned to slow down in the dual format. Three weeks ago, the Lions were struggling to catch their breath between frames.

“We kind of got together and said, ‘Take your time, and get in a rhythm. Don’t wear yourself out after the first two games,'” Demaline said. “We’re not feeling too much pressure. We’re not running around like chickens with our heads cut off.”

“Whenever we get tired we step back and take a seat,” added Wyatt, who finished second on his squad after posting a score of 592.

LHS coach Greg Farley attributed Tuesday’s result to a number of factors, especially the four seniors on the boys’ teams such as Demaline and Wyatt.

“Tyler and David are great ambassadors for the sport,” Farley said.

“I would say we have a mature varsity. I think that helps us. It’s their one and only chance at high school bowling. They’re taking it very seriously.”

The Lawrence girls didn’t fare as well as their male counterparts, losing just their second dual of the year to the Ravens, 2,053-1,760.

Freshman Tiffany Demaline, Tyler’s younger sister, posted the best girls’ score at 530.

Farley said the girls’ squad (6-2 in duals) had been hampered by wrist injuries but added the boys were relatively healthy for this point in the season.

Next up for the Lions is a triangular with Oskaloosa and city foe Free State at 3:30 p.m. Thursday at Royal Crest Lanes. The rivals split in their last meeting in dual competition, as the FSHS boys and LHS girls came away as victors.