The first bowling tournament of the year took place on Jan. 10 and the leading scorer for the girls team was not one that appeared atop the scoreboard last year. Newcomer Ashlee Erickson posted a 604 in the Free State Invitational and has stepped up in a big way for the girls to start the year.

Erickson transferred to LHS from Alaska to start her senior year.

“It was hard to move my senior year,” Erickson said. “But the bowling team has really helped. Its easier to be new at a bigger school than a smaller school.”

Both her teammates and coaches agree she has a big impact on the success of the team.

“She pumps everyone up and makes us feel like a family,” junior Miranda Krom said, “She cheers us up when we aren’t doing are best.”

Erickson has also scored series of 429, 500 and 538 in the Lansing, Topeka Seaman and SMS/SME Invitationals respectively, but she influences the team in more ways than just knocking down pins.

“She is a positive presence and she encourages the younger bowlers,” Coach Paula Bastemeyer said, “She is able to provide extra guidance in a positive and reaffirming way.”

Erickson bowled in Alaska and reached the fourth ranking in the state, but competed in a league, not at the high school level.

“My biggest adjustment to Lawrence High is the [weight of my ball] went up in poundage” Erickson said. “I used to throw a fourteen but now I throw a fifteen.”

Still, Erickson’s strengths help her to make adjustments to her game.

“My form is my biggest strength,” she said. “Compared to most girls I’m lower to the ground and the lower to the ground you are, the more accurate you are.”

Bastemeyer sees Erickson’s biggest strength in her work ethic.

“Her dedication to the sport makes her so good,” Bastemeyer said, “She puts in far more hours than most of my girls.”

Bastemeyer sees the girls to have a solid season behind the arms of Erickson and other experienced bowlers.

“We have some really strong girls and can have a strong season” Bastemeyer said, “I look for us to do well in the postseason.”

Erickson has made plans to pursue her bowling career after high school but has not specified where. One thing, however, is certain, her love for the game.

“Bowling has been my backbone,” she said.