This season was historic for the Tyrone Unifed Bocce Team in many ways.
Last season, the team went 0-5 and did not participate in any tournaments or the playoffs, but with a year of experience, the team improved tremendously this season, with results to prove it.
“Last year was our first year having a bocce team, we didn’t win any games but it was a great learning experience for the team. This year was also a great learning experience and we made it a lot farther than we did last year, I am extremely proud of the team and all the effort put into all our wins,” junior Piper Myers said.
This season, the team earned its first-ever win as a program in the first match of the season, beating Mount Union at their place in a game that went to the golden frame.
They went to their first-ever in-season torment at the St. Francis University Real Bocce Invitational, going 1-1-1.
Bellwood hosted the first Backyard Brawl bocce match between the two rival schools. Tyrone crushed Bellwood and won the backyard brawl trophy.
They also made it to the playoffs after an amazing year and lots of hard work.
Southern Huntingdon, Tussey Mountain, and Mount Union were the other three teams that made it to the district playoffs.
Tyrone won its first match against Southern Huntingdon but lost its second match against Mount Union, putting Tyrone in second place.
Co-Head Coach Sarah Latchford said that everyone on the team worked hard and contributed to its success.
“Teamwork, strategy, everyone being close, and getting the best of everyone every game led the team to success in all of our games, and just having fun leads to even more success,” Coach Sara Latchford said.
Although Tyrone’s bocce team didn’t make it to regionals, they enjoyed the time they spent together. Everyone was hopeful, and they didn’t let small mistakes ruin their confidence.
“Next season, the goal is to have two teams and to have both get to districts and to get one of them to regionals and beyond,” Co-Coach Shannon Davis said.
Many memories and friendships were made during the bocce ball season.
“I think this year was a lot better than last year since last year the bocce team did not get a win,” Aiden Zaker said.
Two Tyrone players will graduate this year, Caleb LaVanish and Mike Mingle, but the rest of the team should be back again next year and with yet another year of experience, they hope to be even better next season.
