Special to the Leader & Times

The Liberal Unified bowling team has qualified for the State competition after earning a third-place finish at the Regional tournament in Great Bend.

The team got off to a strong start, recording its highest score of the season with a 185 game. The bowlers carried that momentum throughout the competition and held on to secure third place and a trip to State.

Representing Liberal Unified at Regionals were Brooklyn Quint, Gracie Thompson, Farrah Rose, Kyle Lambley, Rebecca Davis, and Sam King.

The final team standings saw Hays finish first with a score of 991, Great Bend place second with 839, and Liberal Unified finish third with 781, earning its State qualification.

Coach King expressed tremendous pride in the team's performance, especially considering that none of the bowlers had previously competed in a Regional event.

"I am very proud of these kids. None of them have ever bowled in a Regional event before, and to come out as hot as we did, I couldn't have asked for a better start. We put up a hambone in the first four frames! I was expecting some nerves, and that happened, but wow, did they make this coach proud," said Coach King.

The team demonstrated determination, resilience, and excitement throughout the competition, making the third-place finish and State qualification an accomplishment to celebrate.

The Liberal Unified bowling team will compete at the State tournament in Topeka on Tuesday at 1:00 p.m.

Congratulations to Brooklyn, Gracie, Farrah, Kyle, Rebecca, Sam, and Coach King on an outstanding Regional performance. Best of luck at State!