On Wednesday, January 4, the Columbus Academy men’s bowling team bested St. Francis DeSales in a close match. The “Striking Vikings” edged a win with 1550-1518.

The Vikes, led by senior captain Nick Smith. Smith, bowled an average score of 160, with a 149 and a 171.

Seniors Tyler Whitt, Hamza Kashubeck, and Jacob Taub and  junior Max Chavarria also bowled excellent games.

The win for the Vikes brought them to 3-3 for the season, despite a tough three-match losing streak early in the season.

On the girls’ side, a tough loss occurred on Wednesday to DeSales, which turned in a strong performance, beating Academy 1267-1145.

Junior Abby Jeffers was the standout for the Vikings, bowling an average of 119, with a tremendous second game in which she turned in a score of 143.

The rest of the team also bowled well, with Izzy Bettinger, Nikki Turley, Maggie McCann, and Alisha Mohsin putting up high scores. The loss to DeSales dropped the Vikings to a 0-4 on the season.

Despite the losses, the team has been growing across the board. Mohsin, a freshman, said, “I feel that the new kids on the team have really improved over the season.”

Both teams will have their next match at AMF Sawmill Lanes on Thursday, January 12, taking on Bishop Watterson in what is sure to be a fun affair.