WEST DES MOINES — The Marshalltown boys bowling team got off to a hot start on Monday afternoon, defeating West Des Moines Valley in a dual 3,244-2,570 at Val Lanes.

Returning all-state selection Ray Wiegand was the standout for the Bobcats, throwing a 498 for his series total. Wiegand’s lower score of 231 was higher than any other game thrown on the day except for teammate Joshua Arment’s 244.

Arment, bowling for Marshalltown for the first time since finishing sixth individually at state last season, threw a series-total 457 to finish second for the Bobcats.

MHS’s third and fourth scorers, Carson Potter and Kamrin Chizek, each finished better than Valley’s highest score, a 380 series total by Justin Graves.

The Bobcat girls also started their season strong, though they fell narrowly to the Tigers, 2,434-2,296.

Karlie Potter was the lead score for Marshalltown with a series-total of 361, followed by ShayeLyn Pickett with a 352 and Haley Bell with a 311. Valley was paced by Addie Clark’s top score of 367, followed by Kaylee Parkins’ 365.

Next up for the Bobcat bowlers is a home double dual against Southeast Polk and Bondurant-Farrar, starting at 3:45 p.m. next Tuesday at Totem Bowl.