Mundelein makes it happen
It’s been quite a while since Mundelein’s girls gymnastics team was taking podium pictures in the North Suburban Conference meet.
The most recent occurrence dates back to 1982, but Friday’s outcome will help people forget that for good.
After going unbeaten in conference duels, the Mustangs earned runner-up honors in the league meet at Libertyville. Stevenson took top honors, posting a 138.3. Mundelein came in at 137.525 and Libertyville was third (133.85).
But in the final league standings, the Mustangs earned the top spot, with Libertyville second and Stevenson right behind in third place.
“We went in undefeated, and this was our first loss,” Mundelein coach Nancy Toland said. “Points coming in helped us out. We’ll take the win.
“Winning the conference is something that I’ve never had as a coach, this being my 14th year. The girls are working hard and doing what they need to do.”
McKenzie Kehr showcased her best event for the Mustangs on parallel bars, posting top honors with a 9.6. She also took the top spot on vault 9.55, took third on beam 9.05, fifth on floor 8.9 and third in the all-around (37.1).
“It was alright — I didn’t think it was my best meet,” Kehr said. “On my bar routine, I just kept up with my form. I know that every point counts. Cleaning it up really helps.”
Mundelein’s Nicole Ornoff picked up fourth place on the beam with an 8.7.
Stevenson posted its best score of the season, and the Patriots seem to be hitting their stride at the right time.
“We got our season high and we’re coming into our peak,” Stevenson coach Judy Harwood said. “It’s nice to win the meet with the regionals coming up.”
The Patriots’ Alyssa Weisberg tied for first in the all-around with Lake Forest’s Brittany Moccia 37.55. The reigning state beam champion claimed top honors at 9.35 along with second on vault (9.5) and floor (9.4) and fifth on bars (9.3).
“I feel like the scores were OK, but I still have a lot to work on,” Weisberg said. “I’m proud of myself, but I have so much that I want to accomplish. Not score-wise or place-wise, but skill-wise.”
Stevenson’s Elizabeth Shank placed fourth in the all-around at 36.45. She also placed third on bars (9.5) and floor (9.35) and fourth on vault (9.35).
Libertyville’s Mariah Lee finished fifth in the All-Around 35.7. She chalked up fourth on bars 9.4 and fifth on beam 8.65.
Kyra McCue of Warren landed in third on the vault with a 9.375.