Prairie Ridge co-op in position for trophy
The Prairie Ridge co-op girls gymnastics team made quite an impression in the preliminaries of the IHSA state meet at Palatine Friday night, especially the Cary-Grove freshman duo of Rachael Underwood and Riley Mahoney.
Underwood advanced in all four events taking third on the beam (9.45), adding a pair of seventh-place finishes on the bars (9.425) and floor (9.525), and taking sixth on the vault (9.7).
“It feels great I’ve worked really hard to get up there,” said Underwood of her impressive performance. “I just try to focus on my routines and look to hit, it went by so fast I just tried to stay focused.”
Mahoney advanced for the Wolves by taking a solid third place on the vault (9.75), using a Yurchenko layout.
“This was the year to make something happen, and I think we all did a really good job,” said Mahoney of the Wolves’ attack. “Our vault is our strongest event and we all hit.”
The highest finish Prairie Ridge co-op has had in a state meet is fourth in 2010. The Wolves are in solid position heading into today’s action to earn their first state trophy.
“That’s a good thing,” said Prairie Ridge co-op coach Lee Battaglia of the Wolves’ trophy surge. “The freshmen did a great job, and they still have three more years.”
Senior Jordyn Madden hit a 9.325 on vault and her junior Abby Madden missed qualifying for Saturdays finals for St. Edward, but neither had regrets.
Abby hit a 9.5 on her vault, and also added a 9.225 on bars and a 9.1.
“It was fun, but there was so much competition,” said Abby Madden of the state test. “I’m going to miss competing with my sister next year, so this was a special night.”
Jacobs freshman Allison Riedel definitely has reason to be optimistic. The Golden Eagle just missed qualifying on floor (9.475) taking 11th place. She also hit a 9.475 on the vault.
“It is definitely something to build on,” said Riedel of her first state appearance. “Just being able to make it as a freshman is special. Not everyone can say that.”