ROCHELLE — Lady Hub senior Carlie Elder worked hard to keep her emotions in check during Rochelle’s season-opening girls bowling match against the Ottawa Lady Pirates on Tuesday. And fortunately for Elder and her teammates, the purple and white managed to rally and walk away with their first victory of the year.

One of three seniors competing in the final season-opening varsity match of their high school careers, Elder overcame a tough start to the evening, throwing back-to-back games of 212 and 209 to help Rochelle overtake Ottawa by a final score of 2,471-2,419. The Lady Hubs took eight conference points with the win, while the Lady Pirates settled for two points.

“It was very nerve-racking,” Elder said. “Just knowing it was my last first match ever… I slowed down and relaxed a little bit. I want to make it to state, and it’s going to take heart, dedication, practice and determination.”

Ottawa snatched the first game from Rochelle 830-781 behind 210 from Emma Lieser and 170 from Kyra Stratin. Senior Hope Palmer rolled 185 to lead the Lady Hubs, while senior Katie Dummer added 181. Dummer shot 213 to anchor Rochelle’s 805-785 victory in the second game.

“It was nice to get back out there after bowling through the offseason,” Dummer said. “Bowling with the team is one of the best things about the sport. I thought my performance was good, and I’d say the meet went pretty well for everybody.”

The Lady Hubs saved their best team performance for last, outscoring Ottawa 885-804 to not only take the third game, but seal the series victory by 52 pins. Dummer’s 196 and Palmer’s 148 helped support Elder’s 209 and lift Rochelle above the Lady Pirates.

Dummer shot a team-high 590 series, with Elder rolling 568 and Palmer throwing 447. The Lady Hubs will return to action on Saturday, Dec. 2 at the Rockford Jefferson J-Hawk Invitational.

“I think all of us will do pretty well individually,” Dummer said. “I’m looking forward to seeing the newer girls get better.”