The Cedar Rapids Jefferson girls bowling team is looking for another strong season after finishing sixth in the Class 2A state tournament last year.

The J-Hawks compiled a 10-1 record in Mississippi Valley Conference meets, but need to replace four key members of last year's squad. Allie Trcka, Nicole Werling and Jenna Alff graduated and senior Whitnie Jones is not competing this season following a hand operation last spring.

Trcka finished seventh in the individual standings at the state meet last winter.

Courtney Moore, Nicole Petersen and Lindsey James are experienced bowlers for the J-Hawks. Moore had a 200 average in MVC games last year and Petersen had a 180 mark.

Coach Virg Cerveny thinks several young players will be able to help the team as well. "I've got a couple of freshmen who are going to be pretty good. We'll be respectable," he said.

The two freshmen are Jessie Alff and Rylea Bennett. Mariah Achey, a junior, and Laura Hemphill, a sophomore, also figure into the top-7 for Jefferson.

"These gals are enthusiastic and they want to learn and they've got a little talent there, but it's green," Cerveny said.

Jefferson hosts Xavier in the season opener Tuesday at 3:45 p.m. at May City Bowl.