Girls bowling: Antioch rolling for a turkey this season

Antioch's girls bowling team has had back-to-back trips to state.

The Sequoits roll for the turkey this season.

They made the second day last season and finished in 12th place. Antioch boasts plenty of experience with seniors Allison Kane (175 average) and Lynn Michalec, junior Alyssa Olson (185), and sophomores Alyssa Tanner (180) and Ashley Lubkeman (160). Seniors Maya Schon and Bryanna Dati, and sophomore Diya Schon can also fill positions.

The Sequoits are the reigning Northern Lake County Conference champions. They won a regional title before taking second in sectionals. Antioch started this season by winning their own invite, as four girls finished in the top 15.

"We have a very strong team this year again," Antioch coach Phil Lindberg said.

•Wauconda senior Jasmine McKeel has bowled at state the last two years. She finished 21st last season and has expectations to roll a 210 average this winter. McKeel will be bowl for Mount Mercy University in Iowa next year.

"She's definitely a leader and a great asset to the team," Wauconda coach Mindy Lorence said. "She's a team player, is very dedicated, works hard and is very passionate."

Kayla Issleb (168), Emilee Harris and Morgan Thompson are three other Wauconda seniors, while freshman Elizabeth Suchor (166) rounds out the lineup.

"We will be rebuilding this year," Lorence said. "We have a couple of athletes that are good in other sports and seem to have a natural ability to bowl. Our goal is to improve every day and have fun doing it."

•Lake Zurich returns sophomore Amanda Kouros (180) and junior Lillianna Perez (165). The Bears' other bowlers include seniors Haley Czabaj and Jenna Spaulding, and sophomores Rogue Foppe (160) and Olivia Ryt.

"We would like to win some tournaments, qualify for sectionals and advance to the state tournament in Rockford," Lake Zurich coach Mel Fox said. "In order to do this, we will to commit to working together to improve as individuals and as a team. We will still spend a lot of time at practice picking up spares. We're looking forward to another successful season ahead."

•Grant features Mariso Garcia (183) and Maddison Knuth (167).

"We want to learn about bowling, improve averages, and work together as a team," Grant coach Beth Miller said. "We need to focus on our basic skills, learn to support each other in competitive stressful situations, and learn to have fun together as a team."

•Mundelein has a young program that's growing with more bowlers. Leading the way are seniors Melissa Calieros (138), Emelyn Melgar (142) and Julie Cataria. Juniors Jackie Spencer (144) and Anari Larios and sophomore Abbie Catania are looking to contribute as well.

"We would like to be better than we were last year and compete with the teams within our conference," Mundelein coach Vanessa Prorok said. "We would like to have our team over 800, have at least one girl qualify for sectionals and possibly state, and vie for the conference title."

•Round Lake has experience with seniors Alexia Brown, Crystal Garcia, Johanna Basurto, junior Michele Lauritzen (180) and sophomore Stephanie Leon.

"Expectations are very high for the team this year," Round Lake coach Russ LaChance said. "If they put their experience together and perform at the same time, the sky is the limit. We would like to see the team make it out of regionals. If we can really focus on our spares, we will be competitive."

•Grayslake North graduated several bowlers but returns senior Sydney Swiercz (178). The lineup also includes sophomores Sam Hughes, Cheryl Jenkins, Rhianna Reeve and Hannah Springberg.

"Our expectation is always the same," Knights coach Laura Bertermann said. "I expect my bowlers to grow and improve through each match/tournament. With practice, competition, experience and a strong work ethic, great things will follow. We need to look at every match as an opportunity to learn more and improve throughout the season."

•Kayla McNamara (181) will be one of the senior leaders for Vernon Hills. Sophomores Shay Pechter and Mary Daniels add depth.

"Our goal is to improve on our success from last season," Cougars coach Andra Dalton said. "The returning athletes will continue to improve their skills, both physically and mentally. Our new athletes will learn the foundational skills for bowling. We look forward for these athletes to improve throughout the season."

•Grayslake Central finished near the top of the NLCC last season and reached the sectional. The Rams have three seniors leading the team in Ashley Kilmer (174), Yovanna Torres (163) and Natalie Espino (150). Rounding out the squad are juniors Grace Serres (175), Paige Minogue (153) and Kayla Cruz (150). In total, 10 bowlers return with nine newcomers.

"All I ask from bowlers every year is for them to have a positive attitude, be coachable and be willing to learn, and they have done just that," Rams coach Mike Blasevich said. "We have a lot of girls on the team that have a great competitive mindset and are wanting to learn how to improve their game and compete for that varsity spot."

•Stevenson has seniors Noa Givati, Jodi Katti and Reilly Sullivan, along with juniors Esther Lee and Kelly Radelet.

"We're looking for improvement from the girls," Patriots coach Gina Johnson said. "We're just looking to hard work and practice."

•Seniors Kailey Adams, Sarah Kenzer, Jane Kosowski and Kristine Kropp lead the way for Libertyville, which also has Evelyn Tarman.

"This season, I expect our seniors to step up and take on some big roles," Libertyville coach Lindsey Siegel said. "I hope the team has a great season and improves throughout they year. I think a goal we have is to win the conference tournament. If we can step up our spare shooting and stay focused, I think we have a chance."