Merrill Varsity Girls Bowling Team heads to State for third consecutive year

The Merrill High School Varsity Girls Bowling Team is heading back to State — and this time, they’re going as back-to-back defending Champions.
“Our girls are on their way back to State to defend their back-to-back State Championship wins,” Head Coach Melissa Fisher said. The State tournament is scheduled for March 6-8, 2026, at Dale’s Weston Lanes in Weston.
The team competing for Merrill will be Peyton Smith, Avery Frisch, Izzy Scheffler, Bella Kottke, and Jayden Dellinger.
Adding to the excitement, Peyton Smith earned the top qualifying spot in the Girls Singles event for State. “Qualifying first for our District is very awesome, and I know she will do great,” Fisher said. Smith will bowl Friday afternoon, March 6, to open the Singles Competition.
For Fisher, who coaches alongside Scott Smith, the back-to-back Championships and this third consecutive State appearance carry deep personal meaning. “Going to State three out of three years for this team has been a dream come true to watch,” she said.
With three Seniors on the roster this season — Bella, Avery, and Jayden — the stakes feel even higher. “This year we really have seen some amazing growth in all of the girls,” Fisher said. “I have had the blessing of being one of the Varsity Girls coaches since we were able to put together a Girls team for Merrill, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group. The teamwork and support are wonderful to witness.”
“Three of our girls are Seniors this year, so that adds extra emotions into the game,” she said. “I have loved watching them grow in their love of this sport. I can’t wait to see what their futures hold after this season!”