Girls bowling: Scouting Northwest
Scouting girls bowlingGirls bowling is back, and the Mid-Suburban League will hope to continue its success as one of the top conferences in the state. In the West division, Barrington will have a young squad but returns Sarah Tenyer, the MSL individual champion from last year with a 202 average. “We're hoping that Sarah will lead us to what could be our best finish as a team,” said Fillies coach Sam Raia. Tenyer will be supported by seniors Lydia Gabrielle and Vivian Ding. “Lydia and Vivian will bring that senior leadership,” said Raia, “and we have some rising stars as well.” Isabel Xiao and Jenica Baron will also contribute to the success of the Fillies. “The girls are working hard,” said Raia.
Conant will be seeking the top spot in the MSL this season behind two state qualifiers from 14/15, Angela Anzalone (6th in conference individual average) and Victoria Domanski. “We expect Angela and Victoria to lead our young team this season,” said Cougars coach Jennifer Mikrut. “We hope to develop the consistency and unity it takes to be competitive and successful throughout the season.”
Fremd is looking to be competitive in the “tough MSL,” according to coach Ruben Hinojosa. “The kids are excited,” he says. Leading the charge for the Vikings is senior Becca Rutkowski, a sectional qualifier who just fell short of a state trip last season by 9 pins and recently competed a terrific fall swimming season at Fremd. Also in the mix for Fremd will be junior Stephanie Judkins. “We've got young kids,” said Hinojosa, “and they're learning how to bowl. The kids have worked hard over the summer and I see good things coming.”
Hoffman Estates enjoyed a state qualification and a 10th-place finish at the tourney in Rockford in 14/15, and they're looking to build on that in 15/16. “Hopefully for this season,” said Hawks coach Daniel Pfligler, “we are going to be competitive in every meet.” Seniors Jordyn Fera and Azaria Waits and junior Amanda Richae will boost Hoffman's chances.
Palatine will be counting on a stellar senior class, including standout Jazmin Carrasco, to help them make inroads toward the top of the MSL standings. “We've already had a tournament this year,” said Pirates coach John Burke, “and we shot well but didn't score well. We've got to learn to pick up our spares. We've got a good group this year, they've just to prove their ready to do it.”
Schaumburg has been a perennially successful program, and this year should be no different with Sarah Schwind back. “Sarah is a veteran and a leader,” said Saxons coach Mark Kelly of his top bowler, who was third overall in conference last season with a 198.64 average. “Overall I'd say we're looking for some dramatic improvement.” For the Saxons, assistance will be provided by Juniors Elise London and Suni Bobnick, and standout frosh players Gina Lenoci and Kylie Frick.
As far as the East Division goes, Buffalo Grove boasted a 300 game in conference in 2014/15 by Joanne Savage, then a junior. Savage, who was 10th in the MSL individually last season, is back for her senior season as is teammate Jessica Soskich, who finished in ninth place last season. “Our goal is to finish in the top ten,” said Bison coach Jean Tripam, “and we hope to get to state.”
Elk Grove's first-year coach, Robert Ray, is happy to welcome back three returnees from last year's squad. Back for the Grenadiers are Wendy Rosenquist, Jordan Darling, and Jamie Knutzen. “The start of this year might be a bit rough for us,” said Ray, “but I told the girls it's not how you start, it's how you finish. If we have the work ethic early in the season and the enthusiasm is there, that will be an indication that we'll be competitive.” Pitching in to the Grens' effort will be Amy Carpenter, Abbey Casey, Emely Celaya and Ashley Szull.
Hersey boasted the league's best regular season record in 14/15, and coach Julie Arias is hoping for more of the same this campaign. “This season we're moving up some top bowlers from JV to fill some varsity spots,” said Arias, “and we have several young bowlers improving quickly, so it will be exciting to see how they do.” A big help to Huskies will be returnees Emma Wrenn, who was second in conference last year, and Zoe Sarbekian, who placed in the top 25. Also expected to help out will be Ashley Hoffman and Monsie Plata.
Prospect has a new coach, Ashley Ruszczak, and she says her team will “have a great deal of depth this year.” Senior Cassidy Selep, who Ruszczak says “came on strong last season,” is back, as is junior Arie Upshaw, who placed in the top 12 individually as a sophomore. Joining those two will be Payton Chantry, Renae Heinze and Allison Buck. “We've also got some talented bowlers on the JV level who may be able to help us,” said Ruszczak. “Last year we just missed out on going to the state finals, and we enter this season with similar or higher expectations.”
Rolling Meadows coach Karen Ellingsworth says teamwork will be the key for the Mustangs. “The girls are working together,” said Ellingsworth,” and they're supporting each other. They have great potential and will continue to improve as the season progresses.” On the roster looking to improve the Meadows outlook will be Justyna Tatkowska, a former sectional qualifier, along with Robyn Konrad, Bree Li, Joanna Tatkowska and Erica Quinonez.
Wheeling's roster will include seniors Elizabeth Stavros and Brianna Cychosz, juniors Savannah Garcia, Maria Semenets and Evelyn Bernacho, and sophomores Karsyn Burgess (who fired a 300 game last season) and Nicole Wittman. “Our returning bowlers were on a sectional qualifying team last season,” said Wildcats coach Beth Anderson. “We're looking forward in conference this year to break into the top half. Our seniors need to lead us and the rest of the group need to be more consistent and live up to their potential.”
In the West Suburban Gold, Leyden will stride to the lanes without former standout Ashley Kriston, lost to graduation. She was fourth at the state finals last year, but coach Chris Aylward is looking forward to the continued growth of the program. “At the end of the year last season, Sara Carrillo was our top contributor,” he said. “We're hoping that continues.” Also rolling for the Eagles will be Roxana Brozek and Norma Bravo, second-year bowlers who are “up and coming,” according to Aylward. “We should be competitive in our conference,” said the coach. “Stay tuned.”
— Bill Esbrook