ROCHELLE — The Rochelle Hub bowling team took steps forward under second-year head coach Jim Lyles, winning more matches than last season while multiple varsity starters scored conference points. With only two seniors graduating from the varsity lineup, expectations will be higher for the Hubs next season, when they expect to return to a more normal setting.

Rochelle finished 3-6 this season, recording two victories over Kaneland and one against Ottawa in the Interstate 8 Conference. The Hubs placed third at the conference tournament, with senior Keith Holland earning All-Conference honors for the meet and taking home All-Conference Honorable Mention recognition for the season. Holland will be one of four seniors (Reese Kirk, Shane Sedlock and Leo Hernandez) graduating from the bowling program this season.

“All of our varsity boys scored points and I thought we were pretty successful,” Lyles said. “They started picking up more spares as the season went on and they became more competitive toward the end of the season. We struggled to be competitive earlier in the season, but we talked about concentrating and we finished our season strong.”

The Hubs are expected to return four varsity starters including juniors Devansh Patel, Sergio Guevara, Hayden Smith and sophomore left-hander Evin Odle. Rochelle featured multiple junior varsity bowlers who could step up to the varsity lineup next season. Those bowlers include juniors Matthew Eyster, Luke Orlikowski, Max Orlikowski and sophomore Ben Wengelewski.

“Keith led our team in conference points and Reese was a great addition to the team,” Lyles said. “We have a core group of juniors who were here when I started coaching the team last season and I think they’ll be ready to roll next season. I’m excited to see when we can do.”