Two MT bowlers have a special story. Although they started out at different points, Bethany Jaquith and Hope Broich have both emerged as the Blue Streaks’ most successful female bowlers.

Starting out at four years old, Jaquith began bowling at a kids program through Dutch Lanes. After that she joined a summer league, then a group called Youth Bowlers on Tour at age six. Through this program, Jaquith traveled all throughout Pennsylvania before beginning her career with the Blue Streaks.

Broich started bowling later, towards the beginning of eighth grade. After her brother picked it up, she decided to try bowling out and found a sport she loved.

Now both in their junior year, they are looking ahead with a motivated mindset as they seek to take on the competition at the LL Singles this Monday, Feb. 12 at Clearview Lanes.

“I want to move on and build on my experience from last year,” said Jaquith. 

Placing 10th at the Lancaster-Lebanon League singles in 2023, Jaquith just missed the qualifying cutoff for finals. Yet this year she wants to be able to take what she has learned in the past and apply it to the future, to help her make it further. 

After being doubted as a team all season, individual motivation remains difficult, but for Jaquith and Broich, psychological toughness is key. 

“I definitely focus on my mental game,” said Broich.

The post season includes a randomized pattern, called a challenge pattern, which varies when and who the players bowl against. This added layer of uncertainty makes it hard to readjust.

“You have to bowl your best and work with what you got,” said Jaquith.

Each bowling alley is a little different, with different lane conditions, which adds a challenge for the bowlers. This uncertainty calls for a strong mentality as the two deal with the pressures of the competition.

Jaquith serves as the anchor on the team. As the last bowler of the game, it’s up to her. If the team’s down some points, it’s her job to recover them. Though bowling individually at the LL League singles, learning to deal with the pressure as the anchor has helped her to step up her mental game.

“I strive off of pressure,” said Jaquith.

As the usual team lead off, Broich has also learned to deal with pressure. The lead bowler goes first for the team, setting the tone and energy for the match.

”You have to be hype,” she said.

A good first bowl allows the energy to flow to the Blue Streaks, rather than the opponents, causing the pressure to fall onto Broich.