Girls bowling: Scouting Lake County
FOX VALLEYGrayslake CentralCoach: Dianna Soenksen (sixth year)
House: Brunswick Zone Vernon Hills
Top bowlers graduated: Ally Gately, Viri Murguia
Top returning bowlers: Sarah Polsgrove (Sr.), Josie Taylor (Sr.)
Newcomers: Samanta Kingsfield (So.), Clover Rodriguez (So.), Chante Cole-Poe (Fr.).
Other bowlers: Celeste Amarel (Sr.), Asia Cole-Poe (Sr.), Sydney Chamberlain (Jr.), Abigayle Dozier (Jr.), Emiley Brankey (So.), Miranda Eby (So.), Kelsey Holst (So.).
Outlook: Grayslake Central's girls bowling team keeps improving. This season could be one of their best, as returning seniors Sarah Polsgrove and Josie Taylor are back with skills and experience. "Each year we have grown and are coming together as a team," Grayslake Central coach Dianna Soenksen said. "The team has set a goal of reaching sectionals as a team this year and continuing from there. To be successful, the girls need to work are each day during and out of season. They need to learn and improve each day and support one another."
Grayslake NorthCoach: Laura Bertermann (seventh year)
House: Lakes Bowl, Round Lake.
Top bowlers graduated: Madi Bertermann, Natalia Delgado, Codie Ford, Lindsey Jablonski, Ingrid Kloff, Racheal Schlesser.
Top returning bowlers: Kaitlyn Christiansen (Sr.), Sarah Littleton (Sr.), Jessica Vaughn (Jr.), Payton Bertermann (So.)
Newcomers: Gaby Silva (Fr.).
Other bowlers: Christine Koterman (Sr.), Emilie LaRue (Sr.), Ashley Rager (So.), Casey Schrambeck (So.).
Outlook: Grayslake North's girls bowling team was so close for a trip to state last year, missing out by a heartbreaking 4 pins at sectionals. Many of the Knights' bowlers haven't forgotten and want another shot at it this season. "This team of varsity bowlers is hungry to compete at state this year as a team," Grayslake North coach Laura Bertermann said. "We're looking to win conference, regionals and advance to the State Tournament as a team. It might be a tall order, but we are up for the challenge."
NORTH SUBURBAN LAKELake ZurichCoach: Mel Fox (ninth year)
House: Brunswick Zone Deer Park
Top bowlers graduated: Erin Morales, Melanie Ross, Savannah Saunders.
Top returning bowlers: Emily Broj (Sr.), McKenzie Czabaj Sr. Christina Eddleman (Sr.), Aine Mattera (Sr.), Shannon O'Hara Sr. Emily Shaw Sr. Alexis Wauk (Sr.), Melissa Klein (Jr.), Dana Nelson (So.), Amanda Tarlos So,
Newcomers: Becky Mnichowicz Fr, Allison O'Hara Fr, Lauren O'Hara Fr,
Outlook: One thing rolling in favor of Lake Zurich's girls bowling team is the abundance of returning seniors. "We have a great pool of varsity experienced bowlers who are all vying for varsity spots," Lake Zurich coach Mel Fox said. "Many girls bowled in leagues over the summer and in the fall. Sophomore Amanda Tarlos qualified for sectional last year and is looking to make it to state this year. We would like to advance as a team this year."
LibertyvilleCoach: Lindsey Siegal (fifth year)
House: Lakeside Lanes, Mundelein
Top bowlers graduated: Natalie Zeng
Top returning bowlers: Kaci Cibrario (Sr.), Emma Davellis (Jr.), Taylor Sloan (Jr.)
Other bowlers: Jackie Garcia (Sr.), Haley Anderson Jr.
Outlook: Libertyville's girls bowling team made a trip to state last year after claiming the North Suburban Conference championship. They could be headed for another achievement-filled season. "We have a lot of veterans, so I'm hopeful that we can have a repeat of our stellar season of last season," Libertyville coach Lindsey Siegal said. "I'm hopeful that the newcomers will learn a great deal from these bowlers. We just take things one day at a time and go into each match with 110 percent effort."
StevensonCoach: Gina Johnson (21st year)
House: Fair Haven Lanes, Mundelein.
Top bowlers graduated: Sara Lauter
Top returning bowlers: Sam Szura (Sr.), Colleen VanDermulen (Sr.), Ann Wang (Sr.), Shu Wang (Sr.), Xanthe Coulson (Jr.), Kaitlyn Rudy (Jr.)
Newcomers: Amy Atkinson (Jr.), Ayla Kim (So.), Genevive Dominick (Fr.).
Other bowlers: Hannah Rizzio (Sr.), Nina Wright (Jr.), Sammi Sladak (So.).
Outlook: Stevenson's girls bowling team has high expectations this season. The Patriots will be in a new home house this year at Fair Haven in Mundelein, but that's about the only change as Stevenson returns nearly its entire team. "We expect to have a big year," Stevenson coach Gina Johnson said. "We return two sectional individual bowlers and hope to replace them with a team appearance. We need to improve consistency in team performance from all six varsity bowlers. We look forward to setting Stevenson records this year."
WarrenCoach: Rich Novak (20th year)
House: Bertand Lanes, Waukegan
Top bowlers graduated: Emily Hughes, Ariel Feltman, Elizabeth Harrison.
Top returning bowlers: Jamie Bratzke (Sr.), Ariel Haith (Sr.), Kayla Rossi (So.).
Newcomers: Maggie Faje Fr, Hayley Gregerson Fr, Breanna Kneeland Fr, Amanda Yoder (Fr.).
Outlook: Several seniors graduated, but Warren also has experience returning alongside four talented freshman ready to roll. "There's a great nucleus to work with," Warren coach Rich Novak said. "Our plans are to make the sectionals this year and to make state. But everyone is aware that this will be no easy task as there are so many good teams in the area. I'm looking forward to having fun this year and doing the best we can every week."
NORTH SUBURBAN PRAIRIEAntiochCoach: Phil Lindberg (fourth year)
House: Brunswick Zone Fountain Square, Waukegan
Top bowlers graduated: Katarina Brooks (Sr.), Cassie Giamarusti (Sr.), Kelsey Maldonado (Sr.)
Top returning bowlers: Hyacinthe Ingram (Sr.), Erin Hoch (Sr.)
Newcomers: Sam Knab (Fr.).
Other bowlers: Taylor Vickers (Jr.), Jayme Bailey (So.).
Outlook: Antioch's girls bowling team will be rolling away from their usual home this season due to the recent closing to Antioch Lanes. They will be at Brunswick Zone Fountain Square in Waukegan. The Sequoits have been competitive over the last several years and have some experienced bowlers back. "We're not going to be close to home," Antioch coach Phil Lindberg said. "Hopefully, we can make a run at conference. We have the talent. We have to work hard at practice seeing we're a young team. I believe it can be done."
GrantCoach: Beth Miller (eighth year)
House: Lakes bowl, Round Lake
Top bowlers graduated: Kate Rada, Ana Rodas, Alex Sullivan (Wisconsin-Whitewater).
Top returning bowlers: Payal Patel (Jr.), Emily Bajerski (So.).
Newcomers: Jamie Goodrum (So.).
Other bowlers: Kendyl Bogony (Sr.), Brianna Burgeson (Jr.), Nautyca Thul (So.).
Outlook: Improvement is the theme for Grant's girls bowling team this season. "We're looking to improve on our record from last season," Grant coach Beth Miller said. "We've got a young, hard-working team eager to fill the roles of our graduated seniors. Like any sport, to be successful, our athletes need to be focused, work hard together as a team."
LakesCoach: Melissa Cross (10th year)
House: Bertrand's Lanes, Waukegan
Top bowlers graduated: Angel Boyd, Taylor Dishinger, Amanda Jones, Tatiana Kuhn.
Top returning bowlers: Katie Julkowski (Sr.), Livy Melberg (Sr.), Alison Vancrey Sr.
Newcomers: Samantha Scroggin Jr.
Other bowlers: Madison Shirley Sr. Jessica St. John (So.).
Outlook: Lakes' girls bowling team had to make a shift to Bertrand Lanes in Waukegan, because of the recent closure of Antioch Lanes. The Eagles aim to make that adjustment on the fly and anticipate being competitive along the way. "This year, we're expecting the girls to give 100 percent from start to finish," Lakes coach Melissa Cross said. "Over the years, we have always seen a lull in one of the games, and we want the girls to continue to push through and remain strong. Our goals are to always give your best, to encourage one another. Being a part of a team is to help each other and give positive encouragement."
Round LakeCoach: Rebecca Hoffmann (seventh year)
House: Lakes Bowl, Round Lake
Top bowlers graduated: Sarah Steele, Sara Milanti.
Top returning bowlers: Sierra Brinegar (Sr.)
Newcomers: Sydney Devoss (So.), Allison Pederson (So.), Sami Smith (So.)
Other bowlers: Kassi Montalvo Sr. Danielle Devoss Jr.
Outlook: Opportunities await the Panthers, as younger bowlers have a shot to put their best foot forward and lead the team this season. "There's a huge gap to fill," Round Lake coach Rebecca Hoffmann said. "The girls need to show us who wants a varsity spot and who is willing to step up and claim them."
Vernon HillsCoach: Andra Dalton (ninth year)
House: Brunswick Zone Vernon Hills
Top bowlers graduated: Meghan Calderone, Emilia Jaskowska, Kelly Kaisch, Becca Rubenstein, Svetlana Sadovskaya, Rebecca Whalen
Top returning bowlers: Jamie Cwiak (Sr.), Alison Dungca (Sr.), Leilan Masikat (Sr.), Reona Sullivan (Sr.)
Other bowlers: Alex Napierkowski (So.).
Outlook: Rebuilding might be the reality for Vernon Hills' girls bowling team, which graduated its entire varsity group of six six seniors from last year. The good news is that the Cougars have some candidates ready to fill right in. "We look to building on our team's foundational skills," Vernon Hills coach Andra Dalton said. "We have both physical and mental tactics to continue improving our scores."
WaucondaCoach: Mindy Lorence (eighth year)
House: 3-D Bowl, Island Lake
Top bowlers graduated: Abbi Baseley, Monica DePersia, Jessica Jaimes Kayla Pridemore, Alex Reyes.
Top returning bowlers: Jordan Meland Sr. Guen Michael (Jr.), Deidre Loos (So.).
Newcomers: Libby Grimm (Fr.), Faith Reidell (Fr.).
Other bowlers: Kelly Cronin (Sr.), Aimee Berg (So.), Felicity Dotson (So.), Kaitlyn Johnson (So.), Lilley Meeks (So.), Sammy Reidell (So.).
Outlook: Wauconda's girls bowling team is out not just to compete, but to get better results, especially in tournaments. "The team is continuing to improve their scores," Wauconda coach Mindy Lorence said. "These ladies are motivated to get team improvement and want a successful bowling season."