The Kamehameha Schools Maui girls bowling team poses for a photo after winning the Maui Interscholastic League Championship. Courtesy photo

Upcountry at Kamehameha Schools Maui, the girls bowling team struck their way to the top and earned the Maui Interscholastic League bowling season title on Oct. 18.

With nine girls who had never bowled in the league tournament before and only two returning from the previous season, the Warriors’ rise to the top was nothing short of remarkable.

In the championship contest, Kamehameha Maui defeated King Kekaulike 2-0 with Bailey Babayan (164) recording the high score for the Warriors. Lyric Ford, who bowled a 126, recorded the high score for Kekaulike.

Beating out the competition became a memorable and thrilling moment not just for the girls, but for the coaches and the strong support system that stood by them.

Coach Rodney Carillo explained that with such a new team competing at the island’s highest level, and ultimately winning, Kamehameha Maui’s success came from focusing on the foundations. With the majority of the girls new to the sport, mastering the basics was their cornerstone.

“The basics are the key to successful bowling,” Carillo said.

He emphasized how in high-pressure moments it’s easy to forget what you’ve learned and let nerves take over. But this team committed to staying grounded, trusting their training and blending everything they’d learned into each frame, he said.

That discipline made all the difference.

As the MIL tournament took place, the energy in the alley echoed with excitement from all the teams involved. With just one location on the island for both practice and competition, the lanes have become more than just a place to bowl — they’ve grown into a shared space of mutual passion and support.

“Most of the bowlers from all the schools know each other, so it’s a very friendly atmosphere,” Carillo said. “The teams this year are pretty much the same as in the past. Kihei Charter returned after a few years’ absence.”

Coaching the Warriors since 2013, Carillo has emphasized a mindset rooted in teamwork and unity. Most important, he wants his athletes to follow suit as they learn how to work together and support each other at and away from the bowling alley.

While bowling is often seen as an individual sport, Carillo highlighted the team aspect of it with five athletes bowling together in a single game and every score being important to the team’s result.

“I want them to have fun, and even when they’re not in school anymore, to keep on bowling. Instill in their families what this sport means to them , and how they enjoyed it in school,” Carillo said.

This season also came with special meaning for Carillo, who once coached current King Kekaulike coach Anela Brittan and Kihei Charter coach Emily Kane.

Now seeing them alongside him as fellow coaches, the full-circle moment added to the significance of the championship for him. Looking forward, Carillo said he is eager to see what the future holds and what this rising group of athletes can achieve in the seasons to come.

Players on the team include Kawai Akimseu, Bailey Baybayan, Mika Bechert, Layla Bustillos, Lexi Carlos, Kaylia Gomes-Hema, Lyla Kaili, Kalia Rose Kele, Kealaula Macanas, Ihikolonahe Maxwell and Hali Ostermiller.