Loveland girls roll with new coach

LOVELAND – Always in the mix in the Eastern Cincinnati Conference standings, the Loveland High School girls bowling team will have to do it with a new coach in 2015-16.

Brad Walker has moved to Mount Notre Dame and Drena Campbell takes over a team that was 13-6 overall last season and 10-4 in the ECC behind Milford and three-time champion Glen Este.

The Lady Tigers are highlighted by the return of state tournament participant Taylar Hayden, the lone senior on the squad. Hayden was first-team ECC and third in the league last season with a 186.4 average.

Juniors Carlie Hicks and Malorie Scharfenberger are also returning starters.

“We have three returning talented girls, as well as several new freshman faces,” Campbell said. “Our team as a whole will be something exciting to watch this year. This season will be exciting.”

The rest of the youthful Lady Tigers include sophomore Katie Eha and freshmen Maria Eha, Casey Henry, Maria Reich, Caitlyn Campbell, Molly Lipp and Micah Hicks.

The Loveland girls will join the boys team to face Anderson Dec. 16 at Crossgate Lanes. Their showdown with defending champion Glen Este will be Jan. 12 at Cherry Grove and Jan. 14 at Crossgate.

Mount Notre Dame has called on a veteran bowling coach to lead their program this fall in Brad Walker. The Cougars have not won a Girls Greater Catholic League title in 10 years and Walker may be the man to rebuild the squad to that level.

Previously at Loveland, Walker’s teams have always been productive and he finished behind perennial Eastern Cincinnati Conference powerhouse Glen Este the last three years. He has also taken his bowlers deep into postseason tournaments.

The Cougars were 3-12 last season and featured GGCL honorable mention bowler Molly McCudden. McCudden averaged 161.1 last season with a high game of 204.

Returning seniors along with McCudden are Sabrina Dunbar, Olivia Kettler, Emma Benson and Rachel Tenley. Junior Dorrie Coggin is also on the squad and Walker likes his sophomores and freshmen.

In early season action, Tenley has led MND with an average in the 170s and a high game of 206. Freshman Jordan Hallau has been in the 160s.

“I’m expecting good things from these kids,” Walker said. “With some hard work on the 10-pin side, scores should move up. These kids can all hit the pocket. It’s about working hard to improve and compete. I think we’ll surprise a few teams as the season progresses.”

Bowlers to watch

Taylar Hayden, Loveland - State tournament participant and first team ECC last season.

Rachel Tenley, MND - Senior has had an average in the 170s in the early season.