Coming off a high from the 2022-23 season, placing second in the Watchung Division and finishing with a 13-2 record, the bowling program failed to capitalize on their historic success in the 2023-24 season. Bowling finished the season with a 4-13 record and placed third to last in the Watchung Division.
The Blue Devils were led by new head coach Matthew Varhley, returning coach Danny Periera and senior captain Matthew Culhane.
With the retirement of beloved coach Ralph Corey and the loss of the 2023 graduating class, the program underwent significant changes and serious adjustments. “Our biggest challenge from this year was definitely how much the team changed from last year,” said Culhane. “A majority of the team graduated last year and we had new coaches.”
The Blue Devils season commenced with three devastating losses in a row. In the season opener, Union beat Westfield in a 5-2 victory. To follow, came a brutal 7-0 loss for the Blue Devils up against rivals No. 1 ranked Scotch-Plains Fanwood. The misery had not subsided, as the Devils lost another match up 5-2, but this time against Roselle Park.
Fortunately for Westfield, the losing streak finally came to a close. In their first matchup against Rahway and fourth of the season, a glimmer of hope shined for the Blue Devils. They came out of the match up victorious, winning 5-2.
Immediately after their first win of the season, the team went back to the other column adding a loss to Linden. After the Linden defeat, the Blue Devils made a comeback against Elizabeth with a pattern of temporary success emerging.
Initially losing to Union 5-2 in the season opener, the Blue Devils dominated Union in a rematch, winning 7-0. This triumphant performance had the potential to bring Westfield into the limelight, but this victory was immediately overshadowed by what came to follow.
Sadly for the Blue Devils, a winning streak would never be seen during the season. Westfield went on a six game losing streak, losing each game 7-0. These losses created irreparable damage for the rest of the season, and ruined all hopes of obtaining a winning record.
“We couldn’t stay competitive because we would follow up a record game with a horrible showing against an easy team we should have beat,” said senior Colin Greco.
Despite the losing record this season, the Blue Devils have optimism for the future of the program. As the program has evolved and additionally expanded, with the added integration of girls on the team of this season, the future holds a lot for Westfield.
“Based on the effort displayed this season by next season’s returning players, I expect us to work hard, be excellent teammates, and have a lot of fun,” said Varhley. “We have a great group of students.”
