Girls track and field: Prospect fields winning effort at Buffalo Grove

Prospect certainly had the right vibe to start the Mid-Suburban League girls track and field meet on Friday.

The Knights were sharp early, and needed to be in order to hold off a hard-charging Barrington team to secure their seventh MSL title with 175 points at Buffalo Grove.

Barrington's late surge took it to second place with 159 points, followed by Palatine (94), Fremd (86) and Wheeling (79).

Prospect showed its strength early in the field events, scoring a combined 68 points there.

The Knights also got it done on the track.

Sophomore Annie Walsh, freshman Samantha Berman, senior Jess Skudlarek and senior Maya Mason combined to lead the Knights to a victory in the 400 relay (48.19)

Junior Brooke Wilson kept things rolling for Prospect by winning the 3,200 (11:28.33), with Mason adding a big victory in the 100 high hurdles (14.61) to give the Knights an early cushion.

"The field events kind of paved the way, led by some stud seniors," said Prospect coach Pete Wintermute, whose team won its third MSL title in five years. "It was a fun night. The kids have stepped up week after week, and it was a big night."

Mason followed her 100 high hurdles victory by anchoring the 400 relay that set a school record. She also took second in the 100 dash (12.51).

"It means a lot to win conference," said Mason, "Everyone started really well in the beginning and we just had great vibes."

Skudlarek took first in the high jump (5 feet, 5 inches) with senior Cassidy Selep (10-3) and junior Autumn Stone (10-3) going 1-2 in the pole vault.

Brenda Kendziera also stepped up with second-place finishes in both the long jump (17-4) and triple jump (34-3.75). The senior also placed third in the 300 low hurdles (47.67).

"We came here knowing we had the potential to win," said Skudlarek. "All the girls in the field events shined tonight, and it was a good way to start off the night."

Barrington junior Kelsey McLaurin gave her team a big jolt, setting a meet record and taking first in the triple jump (38-0). She then combined with senior Sara Kate Capel, sophomore Eleni Filley and senior Carly Horak in blazing to a victory in the 800 relay (1:43.25).

McLaurin then closed her night by winning the 200 (25.73).

"We knew what was at stake, so I knew I had to run my hardest," said McLaurin, who anchored the 800 relay. "We knew we had to come in with a sharp focus."

Capel also gave the Fillies a huge lift by winning the 300 low hurdles (45.74) and helping the 1,600 relay (4:04.65) to a second-place finish.

Junior Corey Rinella was key performer for Palatine. She won the long jump (18-4) and came up with second-place efforts in the 100 high hurdles (15.11) and 300 low hurdles (47.64).

"We've been working on that jump for awhile," said Rinella. "I'm very happy with my performance tonight."

Senior Kelly O'Brien came from behind in the final 100 meters to pass Fremd junior Nora Finnegan in winning the 800 (2:14.75).

Fremd got it done with its relays. Junior Hanna Murakami helped by providing a key leg on the Vikings' winning 1,600 relay (4:01.34). Fremd also took second in the 400 relay (49.61) and the 800 relay (1:45.50).

Wheeling freshman Alexis Knight separated from the pack with 200 meters remaining to win the 400 (57.74). Her senior teammate Michaela Vasey won the shot put (41-5.5), and senior Gloria Wide added a first in the discus (118-02) for the Wildcats.

"I wanted to start fast, and once I got to the 200 I wanted to make my move," said Knight of her triumphant effort in the 400.

Hoffman Estates Meagan Biddle was in control from start to finish in winning in the 1,600 (5:00.28).

"I think I've definitely become a more mature runner," said Biddle of her composed race.

Sophomore Lauren Kubinski, sophomore Maddie Marasco, sophomore Rachel Vaccaro, and junior Valerie Schackelton powered Schaumburg to a first-place finish in the 3,200 relay (9:20.48).

"We've been pushing for that time and we've been able to come together," said Marasco.

Buffalo Grove sophomore Nya Carr switched gears with 50 meters remaining to edge Prospect's Maya Mason at the line in the 100 (12.48). Carr then came back to take second in the 200 (25.66).

"I'm just feeling stronger this year," said Carr. "It was an exciting night."