ROCHELLE — While the Rochelle Lady Hub bowling team will have three varsity starters returning next season, having a full six-person lineup will be paramount for first-year head coach Eric Widick to successfully build a program for next season and beyond.

Rochelle finished 3-8 over 11 matches during its shortened COVID-19 season this winter, collecting two victories against Kaneland and one over Morris in the Interstate 8 Conference. The Lady Hubs took fifth at the conference tournament, with junior Alyssa Schwanert earning All-Conference First Team honors for the season. Schwanert led Rochelle with a 155 average.

“I didn’t quite know what to expect from the girls, but our meets went pretty well and the girls responded to what I wanted them to do,” Widick said. “I’m proud of them and I’m pleased with how the season went. The girls made some adjustments to their deliveries during the season and they’re going to keep working over the summer.”

Senior Kiya Porter will be the lone senior departing from the Lady Hub roster this season. Schwanert headlines three returning starters including junior Carly Summers (121 average) and freshman Faith Adams (111 average). Widick said the team also hopes to see more upperclassmen and newcomers next season. Regardless, Rochelle will need to fill two more varsity slots to have a full lineup.

“We want to keep working on the little things and I want the girls to get stronger in their arms,” Widick said. “We won three matches this year and I think that shows we have a good foundation with our girls. We’re hoping to have a few more upperclassmen return and we’re hoping for some new freshmen to come out. We’re looking forward to hopefully having 10-to-12 girls next season.”