Girls bowling: Hoffman Estates' Richae quickly gets rolling

Amanda Richae has enjoyed tremendous success in her first three years as a member of the Hoffman Estates bowling team.

As a matter of fact, she placed 23rd individually in the state finals as a sophomore, then 15th last year as a junior - not to mention helping to lead her team to a third-place state tournament finish as a frosh.

Now a senior, Richae hopes that experience, as well as her work ethic, will have a nurturing effect on her teammates as this season begins.

So far so good, as Richae - the only senior in the Hawks lineup - fired a 601 series as Hoffman defeated Rolling Meadows on opening night of the Mid-Suburban League season at Arlington Lanes.

Allura Magsino (614 series, 246 game) and Darcy Lange (604 series) excelled as well as the Hawks rolled to a 9-0 win.

"They like to call me their fearless leader," said Richae with a laugh, referring to her teammates. "I think they know that I'll dive into any situation head first and try to work through it."

The senior added that being a role model to the younger players on her team is very important to her.

"Our school really plays up the bowling team," said Richae, "and a lot of people know how successful we've been. There are (bowling) trophies all over the school and I think to see those helps the young kids."

In other action Monday, Conant opened with a 7-2 win over Elk Grove as Gayle Stanford led the Cougars with a 491 series.

Palatine won over Prospect as Pirates Brianna Marshall and Karina Ruano rolled games of 181, while the Knights were led by Allison Buck (204 game).

Schaumburg outbowled Hersey 2,736 pins to 2,407, sweeping all three games as Kylie Frick had a 230 game, and Gina Lenoci earned the top series at 587.

Emma Wrenn from the Huskies shot the top game for her team, a 244.

Wheeling won over Buffalo Grove led by Karsyn Burgess (195), while Fremd scored a big victory over Barrington behind by the play of Stephanie Judkins (547 series).

Judkins, one of a stellar group of MSL seniors, said that the anticipation of the start of the year was almost overwhelming.

"I was so excited," said Judkins, "and so prepped for this season to begin."

Like Richae, Judkins knows that being a senior bowler puts her in line to be a team leader.

"I think I can help by trying to put my teammates in a positive state of mind," said Judkins. "It definitely helps improve your game when you're in a good mood."