On Friday both Panther bowling teams punched their ticket for a return trip to the 5A-1A State Bowling Tournament. The Lady Panthers started off the day by finishing as the regional runner up in the 12 team tournament which was held at the Walnut Bowl. The Lady Panthers were narrowly defeated by Salina South by seven pins. Sophomore McKenzy Black led the Panthers with a team series high of 518.  Following close behind were senior Abby Rose and sophomore Allie Brodrick, who each rolled a series of 514, and senior Addie Soukup’s series of 507. Black’s series earned her a 5th place finish on the day. Rose and Brodrick tied, each rolling a 514 series, but Rose had a higher game to her credit so she earned the 7th place medal while Brodick finished in 8th place. Addie Soukup was the last member of the team to place in the top 10 as her series of 507 landed her into the 9th place position. Salina South finished in 1st place with 2083 pins followed by Great Bend with 2076 pins and finally McPherson with 2056 pins.
In the boys action it was the Panther boys who finished as the regional runner up behind the Knights from Sacred Heart in Salina. Great Bend senior Jeff Mietler captured the 2nd place silver medal with a series of 722. The next highest Panther finisher was freshman Kameron Keener with a 604 series and a 12th place finish. The boys competition was very close and very competitive. Salina Sacred Heart finished in 1st place with 2672 pins followed by Great Bend with 2587 pins and finally McPherson with 2486 pins.
Both teams will be in action on Thursday in Wichita at North Rock Lanes. The girls will bowl in the morning followed by the boys in the afternoon,