Niagara Falls is without five starters from last year’s squad, which finished just 14 pins shy of a berth in the state championships. Among those lost to graduation are Alyssa Narkiewicz, Michelle Granieri and Krystal Gravelle.

“It’s going to be hard to replace them, but we do have a talented young group of girls that are eager to work hard and compete,” said Ed Ventry, who is moving up from assistant to head coach this winter.

Among those expected to keep the Falls in the thick of the Niagara Frontier League race are junior Jenna Bianco and sophomores Brooke Seiwell and Megan Maurer.

Veteran volunteer assistant coach Chris Crisafulli will also be back this season, Ventry said.

North Tonawanda

Despite losing Chelsie Larson and her 205 average to graduation, the Lady Jacks are expected to compete for the NFL title.

Coach Bill Rohring, who is in his 11th season at NT, said that his team and Lockport are the early favorites in the league race. He added that defending Section VI champion Frontier is also within the Lady Jacks’ sights.

Back for NT this winter is junior Brianna Larson (204 average in 2008-09), sophomore Hannah Mosher (185), freshman Angelia Aquilina (172) and senior Kellie Thomsen (169).

Niagara-Wheatfield

A pair of freshman will try to keep the Falcons in the thick of the NFL race. Vienna Mills is N-W’s top returnee after holding a 170 average last winter. Classmate Taylor Klis had a 160 average.

Senior captain Christina Ventresca along with sophomores Amber Passero and Katie Mayes are also back for the Falcons. Seventh-grader Julia Brown has looked good in practice thus far, according to first-year coach John Boutet.

Lewiston-Porter

Senior captain Lauren Rutherford will lead a young Lancers squad this winter, according to second-year coach Dave Sicoli.

Also back are sophomores Kristina Ventry and Teresa Lombardi. Sophomore Ashley Drabczyk transferred from Niagara Falls. Sisters Amber and Alex Wade should also be contributors, Sicoli said.

Grand Island

Jenelle Walters will lead a young Grand Island squad this winter in hopes of improving on last year’s 1-13 record, according to fifth-year coach Craig Davis.

• The three in-season tournaments scheduled for this year are Dec. 7 (Maryvale Tournament, Airport Lanes), Dec. 29 (Festival of Lights Tournament, Thruway Lanes) and Feb. 6 (Roy Sommer Tournament, Thruway Lanes).

• The Section VI Championships are slated for Feb. 12 at Thruway Lanes.

• No other local teams provided information.

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