Plichta, Fremd power to MSL West crown
Fremd's Sydney Plichta knows a bit about finishing strong.
The Viking senior girls gymnastics standout has been a state finalist the past three seasons, including a third-place medal on bars her freshman year.
She put the finishing touches on a sensational night for Fremd, nailing a near-flawless beam routine to take first place with a 9.8 and helping lead the Vikings to the Mid-Suburban West title with a season-best 148.95 on Thursday at the Conant crossover triangular meet in Hoffman Estates.
Host Conant took second with 133.40 followed by Wheeling (111.00).
Fremd is definitely peaking at the right time.
On Saturday, the Vikings hit a 147.85 and improved Thursday by sweeping the top three spots in each event.
"We wanted to finish strong going into the state series," said Plichta, who also took first on the bars (9.2). "We're all working together in practice and giving each other the confidence we need."
It showed on Thursday with senior Christine Radochonski taking first in the all-around with a season-high 37.7.
Radochonski capped a sizzling opening-floor series (38.45) by taking first with a 9.75.
The Viking senior continued her assault by taking first on the vault (9.55), third on the bars (8.75) and second on the beam (9.65).
"She works so hard in practice - and when it's not perfect she works harder," said Fremd coach Elise Ference of her senior standout. "It showed tonight."
The rest of the Vikings followed Radochonski's lead, especially on the floor with junior Carly DeFilippo (9.65), senior Emily Neal (9.55), and freshman Abby Moran (9.5) going 2-3-4. DeFilippo (9.45) and sophomore Kailyn Bryk (9.0) were second and third on the vault. Neal added a second-place finish on bars (9.0) and junior Mariah Gura (9.5) took third on the beam.
Fremd has won two straight third-place state trophies. This year the Vikings have their sights fixed on Prairie Ridge Co-op, which currently holds the top state score after hitting 149.95 on Wednesday night at Barrington.
"Having that state experience is really helpful," said Radochonski. "This is when we start working really hard and this is when we start peaking. We're finishing well and hoping to take it into the postseason and do even better."
Senior Bridget Shanahan paced host Conant on senior night by taking second in the all-around (33.80).
The senior has anchored the Cougars' attack all season. She recovered from a slip on the bars and tied for fifth on the beam (9.25) and then ended her night by taking fifth on the floor (9.35).
"It was senior night so I wanted to make a good impression," Shanahan said of her strong finish. "The rest of night I wanted to be solid so I could redeem myself."
Conant freshman Bailey Bloom also opened a few eyes by nailing her beam routine (9.45) with a fourth-place finish.
Senior Ali Kelly added a third-place finish for the Cougars in the all-around (32.35).
"It has definitely been an up and down year," said Conant coach Lorel Cunningham. "But this was definitely a good meet and morale booster."
Wheeling has also had it share of struggles this season. But despite being slowed by injuries junior Meghan Agjuayo has been a bright spot.
On Thursday, the Wildcats junior showed off an impressive beam routine (9.0) and freshman Nicole Guest showed promise with a fifth-place finish in the all-around (28.65).
"Meghan is a rock star on beam," said Wheeling coach Nicole Maila. "We're looking to add more skills next year and be more consistent."