Free State High’s boys bowling team grew accustomed to the old oil on the lanes of Royal Crest lanes in practices leading up to its season. But in the Free State quad on Tuesday afternoon, the Firebirds were forced to adjust on the fly to the new oil on the lanes.

Senior Alex Jimenez could tell his teammates were flustered and searching for answers after a rough first game, and he took it upon himself to lift the team spirit.

“Our energy was low so I wanted to spark something,” Jimenez said. “The first game wasn’t the greatest, but I was really focused and put my mind to it the next two (games).”

The rest of the team followed, and Free State topped Washburn Rural by 76 pins — the only two boys teams in the quad. The Firebirds best game was the last one, where they posted an 883, which was the highest score any team posted all day. Jimenez, sophomore Bayn Schrader and senior Cam Edgecomb all posted scores greater than 200 in their final game.

Jimenez led the team with a 704 series and took first place overall. He had a 235 average, which would be 14 pins better than his junior season.

However, the surprise of the day came from Schrader, who bowled a 674 series, which broke his personal record by over 100 pins. Jimenez even went as far as thanking Schrader, who placed third overall, for the Firebirds’ first place finish.

Free State coach Burton Gepford said that Schrader’s improved approach and his slower bowling speed are two reasons for his improvement.

“Last year at this time his first varsity match was a 403,” Gepford said. “That’s a great jump.”

The FSHS girls bowling team placed second and finished 325 pins behind Washburn Rural. The Firebirds were led by freshman Nicole Miele, who bowled a 596 series and placed third overall. Junior Morgan Wright placed seventh with a 483 series, and sophomore Sydney Jordan placed eighth with a 453 series.

“Today’s scores were our goal,” Gepford said. “We reached our goal today, and if we can keep those scores up we’ll have a successful season.”

Unlike the boys, the girls actually had their best round of the day in the opening game. Both Miele and Jordan posted scores above 200, and Wright bowled a 165 as the team bowled a 741.

“I’m very proud of the team for coming out and getting first and second place,” Gepford said. “It was a great start to the season.”

Free State Quad

Tuesday at Royal Crest Lanes

BOYS

Varsity team scores: Lawrence Free State 2516, Washburn Rural 2440.

FSHS scores: 1. Alex Jimenez, 200-259-245 — 704; 3. Bayn Schrader 220-218-236 — 674; 5. Alex Craig, 198-188-193 — 579; 10. Cam Edgecomb, 144-179-209 — 532; 11. Cameron Edens, 162-188-179 — 529; 12. Zach Lockwood 158-164-132 — 454.

GIRLS

Varsity team scores: Washburn Rural 2327, Lawrence Free State 2002, BV Northwest 1587, BV West 1296.

FSHS scores: Nicole Miele 215-181-200 — 593; 7. Morgan Wright, 165-159-159 — 483; 8. Sydney Jordan, 203-111-139 — 453; 10. Sapphie Knight, 158-104-162; 424; 13. Brooke Wright, 135-150-86.