Putting bowling shoes on, gripping the colorful rounded shiny eight pound ball, lifting it up high in the air, breathing heavily, trying to focus on getting a strike for the team, and getting ready to throw it down the aisle to hit the ten pins, senior Cynda Molina prepares to take her shot.

“My favorite thing about bowling is that it is a challenge,” Molina said. “It’s a mix of fun and strategy.”

Molina has been bowling since her freshman year for Utica. Now, as a senior, she’s looking forward to her last season on the team.

“We are always looking for more people to do bowling,” Molina said.

Coach Mark Baranski coaches girls varsity bowling and Coach Mazza and Verterini coach boys varsity bowling.

The varsity girls’ first tournament was held on Dec. 7 at Star Lanes.