Ten targets, two attempts and a slick court put together the sport of bowling.

For more than 40 years, Hampton Rookies Bowling League has been a female bowling league, but it is now a coed group.

"Bowling is a sport that is still enjoyed by many, but quite frankly, it is also a dying sport," said Roxanne Wloczewski, president of the league.

According to Wloczew-ski, it is hard to keep the league running with a strong committed roster each year, although the league is sanctioned with the United States Bowling Conference.

"I have been able to keep the league members averaging the past years from 18 to 24 bowlers," she said. "I like to keep the teams full thereby eliminating any blind or vacancy spots on the teams."

The league has turned coed for this reason, in hopes of expanding its membership.

The cost to bowl each week is $9 with $6.25 going to lane fees and $2.75 into the treasury for cash prizes at the end of the season.

A one-time fee of $16 covers the sanctioning fee that allows bowlers to participate in city, country, state and national bowling tournaments.

The league bowls for 32 weeks beginning Sept. 4. The season ends in April.

Prizes include money for first-and second-place teams, high average, high series, high game and most improved bowler. A noncash prize is given to the team in last place.

"The league has in the past, participated in some charitable activities and I hope to continue this season," said Wloczewski.

The league collected nonperishable food items in October and November of previous years and donated the food to the Northampton Area Food Bank. In February, the leagues chooses a nonprofit organization and pledges money per pin bowled.

"The league is a fun and casual league, but there is a competitive feel as well, mostly within ourselves," said Wloczewski. "Each team has a good chance to improve from week to week, and that's one thing that I love about this league, we are so evenly matched."

Wloczewski hopes to see the league continue to grow and see men as well as new women join the league.

League play takes place at Hampton Lanes in Northampton but players can be from anywhere. Anyone interested in joining should contact Wloczewski at 610-762-6168.