Saturday, Mar. 14, 2009

Yzaguirre named area's top bowler

By Rocky Morrow, Herald staff writer

Pasco senior Yvette Yzaguirre helped lead her team to sixth place overall at the 4A state tournament and earned fourth place overall in the individual category with a 1,119 pin-count.

"Yvette was able to hold her average with the condition of the lanes," Bulldogs coach Teresa Chavez said of the All-Area MVP.

"I've seen so much growth since her freshman year. She's grown as a person and a bowler, a very consistent and a very disciplined athlete."

And Yzaguirre returned the compliment.

"I believe she helped me in my bowling career and is a big part of where I am today. ... And coach Russ Hunt is an ex-pro bowler. ... I think he has helped me with my technique and how to handle pressure. Ultimately, bowling is a mental game and he taught me how to handle my mentality while bowling," she said.

Yzaguirre also credited the extensive Pasco teamwork for her performance this season.

"I was happy to know my team was there for me, that even with new players we did amazing."

Yzaguirre -- who was averaging around 190 for the season -- said she has been accepted to Alabama State on the strength of her bowling skills, but is still hedging her bets with Wichita State as another possibility.

"I like bowling and if I can get a scholarship out of that, great," she said. "And I'd be willing to travel."