Maryvale’s girls bowling team just managed to hold on to its undefeated status Jan. 24, as Pioneer — specifically the Lady Panthers’ “A” team — came to play in Maryvale’s eventual 4-3 win.

Maryvale’s “A” team, which had a 19-2 record in its seven matches going into the Pioneer clash, was upended in the first two games, 711-681 and 667-643, but the Lady Flyers’ “B” team came up with a big point in the second game to keep Maryvale in the match going into the decisive third game. The “B” team’s 558-441 pin advantage in the second game was also pivotal, as it gave Maryvale a 22-pin advantage going into the third game.

With both the “A” and “B” teams facing must-win situations, Maryvale rose to the challenge to secure the win. The Lady Flyers’ “A” team received gutsy performances from Jamie Michalewski (181-507 set), Megan Koscinski (187-456 set) and Melanie Hannon (193-593 set) to secure the point, 709-638. Kayli Christ led the “B” team to a victory with that squad’s highest game of the day, a 176, for the 613-542 win.

“Our hats go off to Pioneer’s “A” team; they out-bowled us in game one and game two,” girls coach Joe Hannon said. “ I couldn’t help but think that the long bus ride out to Arcade — the day after an emotional win over Williamsville South at Transit Lanes — left us with not enough in the tank to avoid the upset. Luckily, our ‘B’ team was there to save us.”

Kayla Ryan chipped in with a 171-489 set for the “B” team.

Maryvale’s boys team, meanwhile, fell to Pioneer by a 5-2 count. Jeff Pietrzak was the team’s best bowler, as he rolled games of 200, 227 and 213 in his 640 set. Alex Stroud chipped in with a 221 high game, while Ricky Benthien helped with a 215 high game.

“We struggled all around and were very poor at converting spares,” boys coach James Gabor said. “It would be nice to finish out the last week with two wins to get us to .500 and finish on a positive note going into sectionals.”

Maryvale returned to action Monday against Springville — the girls division title was on the line, since Springville entered the match with just one divisional loss — but information about the contest was not available at press time.

The Flyers close out their regular season this afternoon at Depew and then prepare for postseason action Saturday by participating in Saturday’s annual Roy Sommer Tournament at Thruway Lanes.