Area teams boast experience
Who are the strongest teams this year in the North Suburban Conference and could be contenders at state?
Answering these question is never easy early in the season. but based on returning experience, Warren, Stevenson and Antioch are considered leaders of the pack.
The Blue Devils boast three returning seniors in Dani Thul (190 average), Dianna Carbonara (175) and Connie Humann (170), along with junior Lexxi Warda and sophomore Courtney Casillias.
"I keep hearing we're the front-runner," said Warren coach Rick Novak. "I really don't want to think about it. There are some other good teams out there. I do know we've got a good chance to qualify for state. We have a long way to go and bowl."
The Patriots surprised many last year by winning their first North Suburban Conference title.
They will be led by three returning seniors -- Amy Flor, Jen Lasky and Gianna Nichols, along with returning junior Christine Wood and sophomore Jenn Martin.
In their first three matches, the Patriots have lost just one game.
"We do have all five back," said Stevenson coach Gina Johnson. "Our goal is not just the conference but to get downstate as a team. The nice thing is that we've got returning players who work well together. They do have a belief in their own abilities."
Antioch returns four bowlers, led by senior Candice Schmidt (185 average) who shot games of 163-241-235 for a 639 series against Vernon Hills on Tuesday.
Other key bowlers for the Sequoits are junior Kim Childress, and sophomores Alyssa Alvarez and Kaitlyn Trusky.
"We should be pretty good and definitely should be competitive for our division (Prairie) and the conference," said Antioch coach Laura Bertermann. "Our experience and willingness to work embraces the team concept. We understand we're bowling as a team."
Consider Grant a darkhorse, with sophomore Brianna Brugioni leading the way. Brugioni (180 average) placed fourth at the Stevenson invitational Saturday and had a high game of 269.
Other Bulldogs include three seniors, Jami Crouch, Amy SaLee and Kayleigh Wells, plus sophomore Lydia Wells.
Top returning girls bowlers, in alphabetical order: Brianna Brugioni (Grant) soph.; Gianna Carbonara (War) sr.; Jamie Crouch (Grant) sr.; Kim Childress (Ant) jr.; Alyssa Dougherty (VH) sr.; Esther Eum (Lib) soph.; Amy Fischer (LZ) soph.; Amy Flor (Stev) sr.; Connie Humann (War) sr.; Wendy Inman (VH) sr.; Devin Ksioszk (Lakes); Kate Kretschmar (Lib) soph.; Jen Lasky (Stev) sr.; Jenn Martin (Stev) soph.; Danielle McGovern (VH) sr.; Gianna Nichols (Stev) sr.; Courtney O'Donovan (LZ) sr.; Jenna Raven (Lakes); Candice Schmidt (Ant) sr.; Chelsea Stromblad (LZ) jr.; Dani Thul (War) sr.; Kaitlyn Trusky (Ant) soph.; Vanessa Villareal (Lakes); Christine Wood (Stev) jr.