Barrington off to a fine start

For Barrington's girls gymnastics team, it was just a relatively low-key season opener - but the Fillies sure looked impressive.

Barrington finished fourth at state last season, making its first appearance since 2003, and the host Fillies seem primed for another big run this year after opening with a 145.25-107.85 Mid-Suburban League crossover victory over Wheeling on Tuesday.

"I'm excited," said Barrington coach Jason Loeffler. "They put in a lot of work during the summer wanting to get better, but we still have work to do."

Junior Abby Hasanov certainly hasn't missed a beat. Last year she secured three state medals including tying for first on the bars, and she showed on Tuesday why she is considered one of the top returning gymnasts in the state.

Hasanov took first in the all-around (36.85). She started the night by taking first on the vault (9.45), hit a bit a hitch on the bars (8.65) and finished third, tied for first on the beam (9.2) and completed a solid opening performance by nailing her floor routine (9.55) with another first-place finish.

"I'm feeling a bit of pressure, but it is more motivation for me," said Hasanov. "I'm feeling a lot stronger this season and the team is looking a lot stronger, and that can only help."

The team is definitely looking stronger, especially with senior Jessica Lee adding a first-place finish on bars (9.4) and tying for first on beam (9.2), and senior Jada Jones added a third-place finish on vault (9.0). Both Lee and Jones are coming back from injuries suffered last season and gave the Fillies a big lift.

Also adding to the attack was junior Molly Blanke, who took second on vault (9.3) and third on floor (9.05), and also added a second-place finish in the all-around (35.45), combining with sophomore Hayley Nilles who took second on bars (8.95) and third on beam (9.1).

Fillies senior Tara Schumann kept things rolling by taking second on floor (9.25) with senior newcomer Kseniya Kisleva also contributing fourth-place finishes on vault (8.8) and bars (8.4).

"I'm really excited, and starting out with a 145 is a big deal for us," said Lee whose team didn't rise above 145 until the regional meet last season. "Our goal is to place at state this year and if we keep working hard and doing what we do, I think we can do it."

Junior Meghan Aguayo was a state qualifier on floor last year, and she anchored the Wheeling attack on Tuesday taking fifth on the vault (8.5) and beam (8.3). Freshman Nicole Guest also gave the Wildcats a lift by taking third in the all-around (28.3).

"I think the girls did a nice job of stepping up tonight," said Wheeling coach Nicole Maila, whose team was missing two members of its varsity squad. "We just want to keep improving as the season progresses."