Robert, Kawaoka go 1-2 again for Naperville North
The 1-2 punch of Michaela Robert and Anneli Kawaoka can be devastating when the two gymnasts are at their best.
Robert was there on Saturday, and Kawaoka was right behind her as the two all-arounders led the Huskies to the York Invite title with 140.525 points. Lincoln-Way co-op placed second with a 138.525.
Robert averaged 9.4438 per event in scoring a personal-best 37.775 as well as a season-best 9.475 on floor. Kawaoka had some minor issues on bars that reduced her score to an 8.775, but she still finished with a 37.025 for second place.
“Anneli and Michaela came out and just had a great first event and it never closed down for them,” Huskies coach Chris Stanicek said. “What a great way to start the week and build up the confidence of the girls heading into conference (on Friday at Glenbard North).”
Robert won bars with a 9.55 as well as the floor exercise, while Kawaoka took top honors on vault and beam with a 9.5 respectively in each event.
“I’m happy with my beam because I finally stuck it, which was nice, and my vault was solid too,” Kawaoka said. “It was nice to hit them and I was really happy with floor. I have some work to do on bars, but other than that, I had a solid day.”
The Huskies also received fine contributions from the rest of their squad with Stephanie Muller, Shelby Porter and Erika Climo all contributing two scores that counted toward the team total.
Mueller had an 8.9 on floor and 8.75 on vault, Porter added an 8.675 on vault and 7.275 on bars and Erika Climo offered an 8.95 on beam and 8.525 on floor. In addition senior Allie Pecorin recorded a 7.925 on bars.
“I’m so proud of my teammates because we had our down points, but we stuck together and got our first plaque in a long time,” Porter said. “It feels so good to finally get one because we’ve gotten close and today we broke 140.”
Glenbard West was third with a 138.15. Amber Broucek paced the Hilltoppers, taking second on bars with a 9.275, as well as on floor with a 9.45. She finished third in the all-around with a 36.55.
“My job as a coach is to get them ready to perform at the end of the season and they’re peaking at the right time,” Glenbard West coach Carlos Fuentes said. “I’ve done this long enough to know how to steer the ship and keep them going and get them on the right track.”
Conant was fourth with a 136.375. Rachel Tong was third on bars with a 9.125, and Ali Kelly was fourth on beam with a 9.25 for the Cougars.
The host Dukes secured fifth place with a 135.425. Kelly Mordini was called to the awards stand for taking fourth on vault with a 9.075, Jennifer Gentile took fourth on beam with a 9.175, and Megan Davidson was fourth on bars with a 9 and fifth in the all-around with a 35.25.
Jesse-Lee Vanden Eykel was fifth on vault with a 9.05 to help Lake Park take sixth place with a 135.4.
Other notable area teams, included Neuqua Valley (132.075), Hinsdale Central (127.55) and Waubonsie Valley/Metea Valley co-op (123.05).
“We held back a little today to play it safe,” co-op coach Casey Groah said. “We’ve been improving some skills in the gym but haven’t put them in their routines yet so we’ll see how they do in conference.”