The Marshalltown boys’ bowling team poses after claiming the program’s first Iowa Alliance Conference Tournament title on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, at Cadillac XBC in Waterloo. Pictured, from left, are Carter McCready, head coach Nate Clark. Aiden Cowan, Porter Niedermann, Gage Grieves, Jayden Beichley and Cayden Slifer. PHOTO PROVIDED

WATERLOO — The Marshalltown boys’ bowling team came away from the Iowa Alliance Conference Tournament without a first-team performer, but that didn’t deter the Bobcats from reaching their goal just the same.

Marshalltown claimed its first Alliance bowling title in the fourth year of its existence, winning by a narrow eight-pin margin at Monday’s conference meet at Cadillac XBC.

The Bobcats rolled a 3,230 total to hold off Des Moines Lincoln (3,222), Waterloo East (3,209) and Ottumwa (3,170) at the top of the 11-team tournament.

“One more goal checked off,” MHS head coach Nate Clark posted on the team’s Facebook page. “Today, we brought home the Conference Championship — and to say I’m proud would be an understatement. This group showed what it means to compete. We were battle-tested all day, faced adversity, and never quit on each other or ourselves.

“That toughness and belief is what champions are made of.”

The Bobcats had three second-team all-conference performers in Jayden Beichley who bowls for GMG, Gage Grieves and Aiden Cowan, while fellow senior Porter Niedermann just missed the honor.

Beichley led MHS with a three-game series of 235-226-225-686, while Grieves was close behind at 214-243-214-671. Cowan came in with a 209-234-209-652, and Niedermann rolled 244-200-190-634.

Carter McCready collected the fifth counting score for the ‘Cats with his 200-193-170-563, while Cayden Slifer, also a GMG bowler, was just outside the mark with a 203-170-178-551.

The first two rounds of individual play added to five Baker games that followed, where the Bobcats covered some ground with a high game of 248, a 206.4 average and a 1,032 total.

“Proud of this team. Proud of the fight. Proud of the standard we’re building,” Clark wrote. “The job isn’t finished. Every. Single. Frame.”

Marshalltown has a week off to prepare for hosting its Class 3A state-qualifying meet on Monday, Feb. 16, at Wayward Social. The event starts at 10 a.m.