Webb leads Stevenson against Lake Forest

Mikaela Webb has entered her fourth year on Stevenson's girls gymnastic team as one to watch - not just for her athletic ability, but for the example she sets for the younger team members.

All of which was clearly apparent on Wednesday.

Webb earned all-around honors with a 34.3 and won three out of the four events as Stevenson won its opening meet against Lake Forest 125.3-121.05.

"It really feels weird because I'm used to being led," Webb said. "I have to take charge and help everyone out. It's kind of different, but I like it a lot. I always thought there would be other seniors with me. But I really don't mind it."

Over her years, Webb has learned from some very talented state gymnasts, including Alyssa Weisberg, Elizabeth Shank, Riley Trebilco and Becca Feldman-Frank.

"I've taken a lot of stuff from them," Webb said. "Especially their work ethic. It really helps me a lot. I think I get some of my toughness that was built up from all of them."

Webb took the top spots on Wednesday on floor exercise (9.05), vault (8.8) and uneven parallel bars (8.65).

"I thought my bars routine was my best," Webb said. "I just felt cleaner on the bars, and I thought the floor was pretty good too."

The Patriots also got a good opening-meet effort from freshman Zoe Hintz, who was second in the all-around (32.3). She earned the top balance beam score of 8.2, picked up second place on the bars (7.6) and tied for second with Lake Forest's Jessica Pasquesi on the floor (8.15).

For Stevenson, it was not at all bad for an opening meet featuring so many young athletes.

"I think we've got a lot of work to do," Stevenson coach Judy Harwood said. "I think this group will work really hard. I think we'll see a real improvement, even by next week."

Pasquesi was third in the all-around (32.1) and tied for second with teammate Sara Rossman on the vault (8.45). Rossman was second on the beam (8.2), while Pasquesi placed third (8.1). Pasquesi also finished third on the bars (7.45).

"It's early, the first meet in the season," Lake Forest coach Megan Miles said. "We're not ready and (Stevenson) wasn't ready, either. All in all, it wasn't that bad. Almost every one of my girls are a multi-sport athlete, as they compete other sports in the fall and the spring. So it take a little longer to get into the gymnastics season. We're still looking for them to add some things to get their scores stronger."