BY WARREN RAPPLEYEA Staff Writer BY WARREN RAPPLEYEAStaff Writer The Keyport High School boys and girls bowling teams head into their season openers Thursday against Middletown South with the hope of repeating as champions on their respective sides of the Shore Conference’s Northern Monmouth Division. Last season, coach Sal Principe’s girls went 31-5 to win the division crown by a mere half-game. It was the girls’ second division title in three years. Principe’s boys, meanwhile, were 33-9, and Bob Rohe won the Shore Conference championship. Things are looking promising again this year for the Red Raiders. Senior Amanda Stumpf, whose 160 average topped the league, is back to lead a talented girls team. Melinda Bomersbach, another senior, returns to the lead-off spot, where she averaged 156 pins — good for second in the league, a year ago. Sophomore Jenna Stumpf averaged 149 pins last season, and Principe expects her to be even better this winter. The same holds true for junior Christine George, who averaged 145 pins a year ago. Promising sophomores Stephanie Capone and Stephanie Duke are likely to share the fifth spot in the Keyport lineup. Rohe, a junior who averaged 199 pins and put up a 715 series last season, leads the boys and will be looking to defend his title as the conference’s top male keggler. Senior Ryan Loihle averaged 182 pins last season and rolled a 600 series. Fellow senior Mike Capone averaged 166, and Principe said Capone’s hard work in the off-season should pay off in higher pin counts. Sophomore Marty Visaggio, who averaged 160 in limited action last winter, is expected to play a more prominent role this time out. Several other boys are also expected to see action, including seniors Glenn Michaud and Dave Schumann, sophomore Phil Specchio, and a pair of freshmen, James Cornelious and Nick Maupai. “Bowling is fun, but we take it seriously here at Keyport,” Principe said. “Our banners are hanging in the gym and we’re looking for big things again this year, and I think things are looking promising for both the boys and girls teams.” Following the season opener against Middletown South, the Red Raiders will compete in the Bishop Ahr Tournament on Saturday at Carolier Lanes in North Brunswick.
