Girls bowling: Scouting Lake County
NORTH SUBURBAN PRAIRIE
ANTIOCH
Coach: Phil Lindberg (third year)
House: Antioch Lanes, Antioch
Top bowlers graduated: Kaytee Keefe, Amanda Poders, Cristal Raiman, Katie Smart
Top returning bowlers: Sr. Katarina Brooks, Sr. Cassie Giamarusti, Sr. Kelsey Maldonado, So. Hyacinthe Ingram, So. Erin Koch
Newcomers: Sr. Alyssa Dragin, So. Anastasia Highman, So. Kayka Fahey, So. Megan Smart, So. Taylor Vickers, Fr. Jaymie Bailey
Outlook: The Sequoits return with four varsity bowlers back from last year. Included is Erin Koch, whose freshman season was shortened after being in a car accident. The Sequoits could be a team watch. “Things are looking really promising this year,” coach Phil Lindberg said. “The girls are looking consistent. Hopefully we can make a run at conference again this year.”
GRANT
Coach: Beth Miller (11th year)
House: Lakes Bowl, Round Lake
Top bowlers graduated: Sami Jo Zak (Wisconsin-Whitewater), Jenelle Nikolai, Vanessa Foreman, Karly Lakowski, Dani von Helms, Taylor Spradling, Raechel Defabio
Top returning bowlers: Sr. Ana Rodas, Jr. Amanda Mastro
Other bowlers: Sr. Katie Rada, Sr. Alex Sullivan, Jr. Kendyl Bigony, Jr. Kelli Gray, Jr. Amanda Mastro, So. Payel Patel, So. Janette Romero
Newcomers: So. Brianna Burgeson, Fr. Emily Burjurski
Outlook: The Bulldogs graduated a number of experienced bowlers and will need to rebuild on the lanes this season. With only eight returners, the Bulldogs have a lot of spots to fill. “We’re looking for our experienced bowlers to lead the way and for the newcomers to learn quickly,” coach Beth Miller said.
LAKES
Coach: Melissa Cross (ninth year)
House: Antioch Lanes, Antioch
Top bowlers graduated: Melissa Beitzel, Samantha Potter, Kelly Wilson
Top returning bowlers: Sr. Angel Boyd, Sr. Taylor Dishinger
Newcomers: Jr. Katie Julkowski, Jr. Madison Shirley, Jr. Allison Vancrey, Fr. Makenzie Mullan, Fr. Shelbi Slade, Fr. Allison Vancrey
Outlook: The Eagles took strides toward the end of last year and could be even better this season. “We are looking for our team to rise to the challenge,” coach Melissa Cross said. “We are looking for our varsity players to take the lead, help the new bowlers learn bowling etiquette and provide helpful suggestions to improve their game.”
ROUND LAKE
Coach: Rebecca Hoffmann (sixth year)
House: Lakes Bowl, Round Lake
Top bowlers graduated: Felicia Klask
Top returning bowlers: Sr. Juanita Carillo, Sr. Sara Milianti, Sr. Sarah Steele, Jr. Sierra Bringer, Jr. Tracy Koster, So. Danielle DeVoss
Newcomers: Fr. Samantha Smith
Outlook: This is an experience squad, giving coach Rebecca Hoffmann reason for optimism. “For the first time in a while, Round Lake has a returning varsity team,” Hoffmann said. “All of the girls understand what it is like to bowl varsity. I am hoping to concentrate much more of the coaching staff’s efforts on developing the younger bowlers.”
VERNON HILLS
Coach: Andra Dalton (eighth year)
House: Brunswick Zone, Vernon Hills
Top bowlers graduated: Griseida Jaimes
Top returning bowlers: Sr. Meghan Calderone, Sr. Kelly Kaisch
Other bowlers: Sr. Becca Rubenstein, Sr. Rebecca Whalen, Jr. Alison Dungca
Outlook: The Cougarslost only lost one bowler to graduation and have a number of girls back. “I know the girls worked to improve their games during the off-season, and it has already shown during practices,” coach Andra Dalton said. “I look forward to continuing to improve their individual games so that we can be the best team we can possibly be throughout the season and finish strong.”
WAUCONDA
Coach: Mindy Lorence (seventh year)
House: 3-D Bowl, Island Lake
Top bowlers graduated: Dorina Bandino-Berger, Jessica Cole, Paige Fisher, Courtney Kramer, Sierra Lincoln, Melissa Ohms, Bredz Ramirez, Cindy Tueber (Elmhurst), Stephanie Verniers
Top returning bowlers: Sr. Abbi Basely, Sr. Jessica Jaimes, Jr. Jordan Meland
Newcomers: Fr. Aimee Berg, Fr. Deidre Loos, Fr. Lilley Meeks
Outlook: The Bulldogs graduated nine bowlers. They brought in 10 new ones — freshmen. “It will be fun to have a year to teach and coach new bowlers and have them learn as much as possible this season,” coach Mindy Lorence said. “We will make the most of it this year and look forward to another great bowling season.”
NORTH SUBURBAN LAKE
LAKE ZURICH
Coach: Mel Fox (eighth year)
House: Brunswick Zone, Deer Park
Top bowlers graduated: Caitlin O’Donovan (Illinois State), Dani Sikorski (Robert Morris)
Top returning bowlers: Sr. Erin Morales, Sr. Savannah Saunders, Jr. Jensen Andersen, Jr. Emily Broj, Jr. McKenzie Czabaj, Jr. Christina Eddleman, Jr. Aine Mattera, Jr. Shannon O’Hara, Jr. Brittany Pettinger, Jr. Melanie Ross, Jr. Emily Shaw, Jr. Alexis Waul
Newcomers: Fr. Dana Nelson, Fr. Amanda Tarlos
Outlook: The Bears enjoyed their first experience at state last year and would like to repeat the feat again. However, they have to replace a couple of talented bowlers that graduated. “Our goal is to go to the state finals again this year,” coach Mel Fox said. “There are at least 10 girls vying for varsity spots. There will be a lot of competition among the girls, as most of their averages are within 15 pins of each other, and it is still early in the season. We will be concentrating on being consistent and picking up spares.”
LIBERTYVILLE
Coach: Lindsey Siegal (fourth year)
House: Lakeside Lanes, Mundelein
Top bowlers graduated: none.
Top returning bowlers: Sr. Natalie Zeng, So. Emma Davelis, So. Taylor Sloan
Newcomers: Fr. Ally Doherty
Outlook: Natalie Zeng, Emma Develis and Taylor Sloan competed varsity last season and spent the off-season working on their games. They will lead a squad that has added freshman Ally Doherty. “We have a strong core,” coach Lindsey Siegal said. “They will need to work on their communication when it comes to watching the lanes breakdown and making adjustments. The girls have a great rapport and have welcomed all of our new players with open arms.”
STEVENSON
Coach: Gina Johnson (20th year)
House: Brunswick, Buffalo Grove
Top bowlers graduated: Erin Kobler, Caitlyn Silver Sullivan, Ashley Wittert
Top returning bowlers: Jr. Sam Szura, Jr. Colleen Vandermullen, So. Xanthe Coulson, So. Kaitlyn Rudy
Newcomers: So. Nina Wright, Fr. Amber Albrecht, Fr. Grace Guo, Fr. Sam Sladek
Outlook: Young bowlers are ready to take over for the Patriots. Coach Gina Johnson reports that some of her freshmen are averaging between 180-190. “We graduated a large number from last year,” Johnson said. “I’m hoping that we can make it to the sectionals as a team and or have state qualifiers. We still have to fill a couple of varsity spots.”
WARREN
Coach: Rick Novak
House: Bertrand Lanes, Waukegan
Top bowlers graduated: Ashley Alexander, Katie Peterson, Terra Telow
Top returning bowlers: Sr.Ariel Feltman, Sr. Elizabeth Harrison, Sr. Emily Hughes, Jr. Ariel Haith, Jr. Jamie Bratzke
Newcomers: Fr. Kayla Rossi
Outlook: The Blue Devils have their sights set on a good season with three returning bowlers and younger ones ready to get going. Some off-season work and practice have given the Blue Devils some extra roll. “I’m excited for a real good year,” coach Rick Novak said. “I really believe we have the experience and the talent. We should have a strong season ahead of us.”
FOX VALLEY
GRAYSLAKE CENTRAL
Coach: Dianna Soenksen (fifth year)
House: Brunswick Zone Hawthorn, Vernon Hills
Top bowlers graduated: Katie Atkins, Ilona Katsman, Lauren Kirby, Christine Paulick
Top returning bowlers: Jr. Sarah Polsgrove, Jr. Josie Taylor
Newcomers: Jr. Asia Cole-Poe, So. Amanda Bortner, Fr. Emily Brankey, Fr. Kelsey Holst, Fr. Mikayla Gannan, Fr. Jennifer Guzman, Fr. Caroline Johnson
Outlook: The Rams lost four to graduation and will be looking to rebuild. “We have eight new bowlers, which has given our program an exciting challenge as well as a future,” coach Dianna Soenksen said. “We wish the girls a great season and we are so proud of them already. Our returning girls are really focusing on ball speed and a stronger release. We started morning workouts in the off-season as well as during the current season and the girls are starting to see if pay off.”
GRAYSLAKE NORTH
Coach: Laura Bertermann (sixth year)
House: Lakes Bowl, Round Lake
Top bowlers graduated: Catherine Kowalski, Brittany Spychalski
Top returning bowlers: Sr. Madi Bertermann, Jr. Kait Christiansen, Jr. Sarah Littleton, So. Jess Vaughn
Other bowlers: Sr. Natalie Delgado, Sr. Codie Ford, Sr. Lindsay Jablonski, Sr. Ingrid Kloff, Sr. Rachel Schlesser, Jr. Christine Koterman, Jr. Zoe Kramer, Jr. Emily Larue, Jr. Emily Steeber
Outlook: The Knights won the Fox Valley last year and will seek a repeat with a veteran team. “Our goal is to win conference once again,” coach Laura Bertermann said. “We want to get out of regionals and reach the sectionals. It’s a new format this year. You need to have good team chemistry and hope to have good things happen.”