The Fairfield bowling teams traveled to Burlington for their season opener on Friday, December 5th, with the boys earning a victory while the girls fell in a close match. The night also featured a historic performance from senior Dayson Workman, who broke the school record for highest series.
Boys Results: Fairfield 2,563, Burlington 2,548
The Trojan boys edged Burlington by 15 pins in a tightly contested dual. After Round One individual games, Fairfield led 1,716 to 1,682. The Trojans totaled 847 in their five Baker games compared to Burlington’s 866, giving Fairfield the narrow 2,563-2,548 victory.
Dayson Workman led all bowlers with a 256 average, rolling games of 234 and 278 for a 512 series—breaking the school record of 500 previously held by Chance Swan. Blake Ballew added a 334 series (211, 123) with a 167 average. Henry Swan totaled 304 (159, 145) with a 152 average, Kris Powell had 285 (138, 147) with a 142.5 average, Corbin Starr contributed 281 (143, 138) with a 140.5 average, and Eli Aplara finished with 273 (110, 163) and a 136.5 average.
In the Baker games, Fairfield rolled 165, 184, 166, 172, and 160.
Girls Results: Burlington 1,571, Fairfield 1,548
The Trojan girls fell by 23 pins despite a strong performance. After Round One, Fairfield totaled 1,031 compared to Burlington’s 1,024. However, the Grayhounds outscored Fairfield 547-517 in the Baker round to take the match.
Autumn Rose-McBride led Fairfield with a 242 series (124, 118) and a 121 average. Emma Cass added 237 (128, 109) with a 118.5 average. Emma Forrest totaled 223 (108, 115) with a 111.5 average, Braezyn Stutzman had 183 (80, 103) with a 91.5 average, Brooklyn Gridley finished with 146 (52, 94) and a 73 average, and Savannah Garretson contributed 130 (56, 74) with a 65 average.
In the Baker games, Fairfield rolled 130, 95, 109, 97, and 86.
Coach’s Perspective
Fairfield head coach Melinda Chatfield was pleased with her team’s opening performance despite having several newcomers to the sport and varsity level.
“I think it went very well. I have several bowlers who are new to bowling and new to varsity. Everyone did a fantastic job, and it showed me what we need to work on,” Chatfield said.
Chatfield singled out several standout performances from the boys’ side.
“Dayson is definitely the standout of the night, bowling with a 256 average. Blake Ballew had a 211 game, bowling with a 167 average. Also, an amazing performance from Maxxon Zaragoza with a 179 game in his first high school meet, bowling with a 123 average,” Chatfield said. “Aaron Carlson had a 211 bowling on JV last night with a 117 average.”
On the girls’ side, Chatfield praised her team’s resilience.
“Autumn Rose-McBride bowled our high series of 242. The girls did an outstanding job for their first meet in a new alley—very proud of all of them,” Chatfield said. “There was improvement from everyone as the night went on.”
Both Fairfield teams will look to build on their opening performances as the season continues on Monday, December 8th when they head over to Champion Bowl in Ottumwa where Davis County will host the Trojans and Washington for a triangular.
