Published: December 02, 2008 11:58 am         

GIRLS BOWLING PREVIEW: Falls girls aiming for NFL title

After falling only one win shy of tying for the Niagara Frontier League championship a year ago, Niagara Falls is cautiously optimistic it will be in the mix for the crown once again this winter.

“With three returning seniors leading the way, we have a very positive outlook for this season,” NFHS assistant coach Ed Ventry said.

Anchoring the lineup will be senior captain Alyssa Narkiewicz and classmate Michelle Granieri, who held a 196 average last year.

Niagara-Wheatfield

The Falcons return three seniors that will serve as captains as they look to move up near the top of the NFL.

“With four starters back, we have some high hopes for this group,” first-year co-coach Eric Tucker said.

The senior trio includes Stephanie Hodson, Kayla Hillman and Sara Smyth. Also back is eighth grader Vienna Mills.

Lewiston-Porter

The Lancers will fill the void left by the graduated Savannah Zientara with a team effort, according to first-year coach Dave Sicoli.

“These girls are getting older and more experienced and if they bowl together as a group they should be OK,” the coach said.

Senior captain Barb Ventry and classmate Breanna Maglio will anchor the lineup. Junior Lauren Rutherford also returns.

Grand Island

The Vikings return four starters from a team that finished with a 7-7 mark a year ago. Leading coach Craig Davis’ squad will be a quartet of seniors — Mia Magliazzo, Nicole Serra, Kelsey Foote and Bree Wojnar. Magliazzo will serve as the team’s captain.

North Tonawanda

Sisters Chelsie and Briana Larson return for the defending NFL co-champions. Chelsie, a senior, had the second highest average in the league at 203 with Briana, a sophomore, right behind at 198. Also back for veteran coach Bill Rohring is senior Danielle Pawarski, junior Kellie Thomson, sophomore Rachel Kielaszek and freshman Hannah Mosher.

n Other local teams did not submit information.

Contact reporter Nate Beutel at 282-2311, ext. 2262.