At 5-foot-6, Kaitlyn Milsted uses a long reach to throw a pretty smooth ball at Lincoln Lanes.
The 17-year-old started with a spare and then reeled off eight straight strikes for a sizzling 403 in Sunday night senior Youth Bowling Council (YBC) action.
It was Milsted’s first career 400 game and earns her an all-expenses paid trip to the provincial 400 club tournament next fall at the Coast.
“My previous high was a 389 about two years ago,” said Milsted, who keeps her bowling hands soft and supple as a part-time dishwasher at the Orchard Valley Retirement Residence.
“My teammates Lucas Erickson and Krista Koenig were cheering me on. I just really wanted it and my knees were shaking a little on my last ball.”
Coached by lane legends Bill Blair and Lawrence Kupryk, Milsted rolled an 864 triple that night, going into play with a 201 average. The 403 came during her final game.
The Grade 12 Fulton student used to play basketball but is solely into bowling these days.
“I love it. My grandparents, Val and John Wiebe, got me involved when I was eight and I liked it right away.”
Born in Vancouver, Milsted moved to Vernon with her family for Grade 2 at Okanagan Landing Elementary. She plans to travel for a year and then pursue veterinary technician studies.