Girls bowling is back to a full season after last season was shortened because of COVID-19. There’s plenty of talent back in the area with three of the four NewsTribune All-Area bowlers returning.

Here is a look at each area team:

La Salle-Peru

Coach: Jim McCabe

Top returning bowlers: Isabella Weber, sr.; Olivia Weber, so.; Christine Ricci, jr.; Maria Pawlak, sr.; Makenzie Hamilton, so.

Top newcomers: Anna Ricci, fr.; Camryn Perra, fr.; Aleza Gillette, jr.

Worth noting: The Cavaliers are loaded with talent and experience, led by the Weber sisters. Olivia Weber is the reigning NewsTribune Girls Bowler of the Year after averaging an area-best 194 as a freshman, while Isabella Weber also was NewsTribune All-Area after averaging a 187. Pawlak also brings experience and leadership, while McCabe expects a few younger bowlers to fill in holes in the lineup. “We have a good, strong team with four or five girls back from last year plus a few new people coming in,” McCabe said. “I’m really looking forward to the year.” With the mix of experienced talent and newcomers expected to contribute, the Cavs have lofty goals for the season. “Some goals the team has is to do well in our conference and take the conference championship as well as move on through regional and sectional and end up at state,” McCabe said. “I think if all the girls work together as a team, we can get there. They’ve come together over the last couple years. We were a younger team and we have more experience now. We have one or two freshmen who are going to solidify the lineup. It gives us a little extra from the bench we might need sometimes to get us over the hurdles.”

St. Bede

Coach: Buck Emmerling

Top returning bowlers: Veronica Martin, sr.; Paige Kraml, sr.; Madelyn Torrance, jr.; Aubree Acuncius, so.

Top newcomers: Gianna Grivetti, Macy Zeglis, Debbie Daluga, Alyssa Schirz, Jaelyn Weber, Sammie Wagner, Pia Mindrup, Kylie Hill, Katelyn Harth

Worth noting: The Bruins have a solid core of returning players to lead the way in Martin, Kraml, Torrance and Acuncius but don’t have much experience behind that foursome. Martin was a NewsTribune All-Area pick last season after averaging a 170. Acuncius (164 average) and Torrance (158) also had solid averages for the Bruins last season. “I believe any of the girls with varsity experience can accomplish great things this year if they focus and practice with a purpose,” Emmerling said. “We have to have this mindset because we basically missed an entire season last year due to COVID-19. I believe the girls have a great opportunity to advance deep into the postseason as a team or as individuals because the sectional will be hosted by the Illinois Valley Super Bowl this year. That will be our goal. But in order to accomplish this we need to stay focused and work hard every practice and match.”

Hall

Coach: Monica Hrovat

Top returning bowler: Sarah Beier, jr.

Top newcomers: None

Worth noting: The Red Devils are low on numbers this season, so they won’t have a girls schedule. Beier will compete in tournaments as an individual. Last season, she was third in the area in average with a 178. “Local coaches have been very helpful finding matches for her to compete in,” Hrovat said. “We really appreciate their help. Sarah is working hard on improving her game, especially picking up more spares. She has worked hard the last couple years, and she deserves to be able to compete.”

Mendota

Coach: Kassidi Guerrero

Top returning bowlers: Kaylee Barkman, sr.; Taya Schwaegerman, jr.; Karli Miars, jr.; Isabelle Escatetl, jr.

Top newcomers: Lauren Holland, fr.; Olivia Ross, sr.; Lizzie Bresley, sr.

Worth noting: After a shortened season last year, the Trojans are looking to get back on track this winter. “We are looking forward to having a full season and a full team,” Guerrero said. “Last year was hard on us. We weren’t always able to have a full team for matches, so we are looking forward to having a full team and being more competitive this year. Our goals we have for the year are to work on fundamentals. We had a few girls take last year off, so we need to rebuild some of our skills.” Guerrero is excited about the potential of Holland. “Lauren Holland will be a bowler to watch the next four years,” Guerrero said. “Lauren bowled at Holy Cross and in the Mendota Elks youth program, and we are expecting big things from her throughout her high school career.”