Larock, Donner boost Prospect
Junior Maddie Larock and sophomore Megan Donner gave Prospect a huge lift on Saturday.
Larock (37.55) and Donner (37.0) went 1-2 in the all-around in leading Prospect to the Knights Invitational title with a season-best score of 144.10.
“It definitely gives us a boost in confidence,” said Prospect coach Randy Smith. “We came out and nailed vault today, and that set the tone.”
A fast-rising Schaumburg team took second with a season-best 142.075, followed by Rolling Meadows (138.7), Buffalo Grove (128.2), Elk Grove (124.425), and Wheeling (117.275).
Larock won vault (9.7) and bars (9.45) and took second on floor exercise (9.45).
“Everyone hit on vault, and that started us rolling,” said Larock, who led an impressive 38.05 team effort on the vault. “I think this team is really prepared, and I’m excited to find out how far we can go.”
Donner took first on beam (9.25) and second on bars (9.15) in giving the Knights a strong 1-2 punch.
“We’re looking to have that one meet where we all hit,” said Donner, “and when that happens it’s going to be exciting.”
Knights freshman Olivia Gonzalez continued to impress, tying for third on vault (9.5) and taking fourth on floor (9.35), with senior Jackie Difonzo adding a fifth-place finish on vault (9.45).
Freshman Myriam Brito powered Schaumburg with fifth place in the all-around (36.3). She was third on bars (9.1) and tied for third on vault (9.5).
Sophomore Jessica Muza took second on beam (9.15), and junior Samantha Panther was fifth on bars (8.8).
Sophomore Kelly Johnston lifted Rolling Meadows by taking third in the all-around (36.575). Johnston took second on vault (9.525) was third on beam (9.1) and floor (9.4).
Freshman Victoria Zervos also provided support in the Mustangs’ attack, taking fourth on both beam (9.05) and bars (8.9). She added a fifth on floor (9.25).
Elk Grove senior Amelia Rafferty won the Mid-Suburban League all-around title last season, and finished sixth at state on the floor.
She returned from a hand injury earlier in the month that had kept her out the first half the season.
On Saturday the Grenadier senior shook off the rust to take first on the floor (9.55) along with a fifth-place effort on the beam (9.0). She capped her return by finishing fourth in the all-around (36.475).