Girls track and field: Big night for Barrington's McLaurin

Barrington senior Kelsey McLaurin had the finishing touch for Barrington on Thursday night at the Grayslake North Class 3A sectional.

McLaurin started her night by helping lead the Fillies to a pair of second-place finishes and state qualifications in the 400 relay (49.83) and 800 relay (1:44.82).

Then she found a bit more to offer by taking first in the triple jump (37-02) and anchoring the Fillies to a first-place finish in the meet-ending 1,600 relay (4:04.09).

McLaurin's powerful performance helped power Barrington to the sectional title with 90 points, followed by Palatine (56 points), Lake Zurich (49 points) and Fremd (47 points).

Buffalo Grove junior Nya Carr delivered three first-place finishes in aiding the ninth-place Bison (37 points).

"We've been testing a lot of different lineups out during the year in the relays, and tonight we put it together," said McLaurin. "We were pretty hyped coming in tonight. We just had to believe in ourselves."

McLaurin combined with senior Julia Bergquist, sophomore Gabby Cossio and junior Eleni Filley to secure the 1,600 relay triumph.

McLaurin, Filley and Bergquist combined with freshman Elli McCauley in taking second in the 800 relay.

Cossio replaced Bergquist in aiding the Fillies' second-place finish in the 400 relay.

"The girls came to run today and our field events were excellent," said Barrington coach Jody Gitelis of her team's title run. "I'm blown away by their performances. I'm just so proud."

Junior Jocelyn Long added to the Fillies' effort by winning the 3,200 (10:46.52) and 1,600 (5:05.82). Long made a decisive move in the final lap in securing the 1,600 title and grinded out a big finish in the 3,200.

"I'm just happy," said Long, who has come on strong the past two weeks. "I don't think I've had a double like this. Tonight is in the books and I'm really looking forward to next week."

Barrington also received a huge lift from a couple of young runners.

Cossio, in addition to her relay legs, added to her night by taking first in the 300 low hurdles (46.74).

Freshman Alyssa Norris also opened a few eyes by taking second in the 800 (2:18.34) as she used a final burst to secure her state qualification.

"I feel like I worked really hard this season to get here and I'm really happy I put it together tonight," Norris said.

Carr definitely delivered for Buffalo Grove.

The Bison junior started her night by taking first in the 100 (12.25). She kept it going by winning the 200 (25.94) and added a first-place finish in the long jump (17-09.5).

"I definitely feel like I got out stronger in the 200," said Carr who has set herself up for a big state meet. "I feel like there was more competition than last year but my times have been better this season and I feel more confident."

Palatine sophomore Erin Oleksak has covered a lot for the Pirates this season and it was no different on Thursday night.

Oleksak took second and qualified to state in the 100 high hurdles (15.80). She came back to combine with sophomore Chloe Stewart, junior Ada Sieminski and junior Tianna Henderson in helping power the Pirates to a first-place finish in the 800 relay (1:44.23).

"There was a lot of pressure," Oleksak said. "But I guess we thrived under pressure. We really wanted that 800 relay title."

Senior Anna Buckstaff, senior Izzeh Stankiewicz, sophomore Liz Lechowicz and sophomore Kate Lechowicz combined to power the Pirates to a first-place finish in the 3,200 relay (9:38.14).

Sophomore Jess Streepy will make her second consecutive trip to the state meet after taking first in the pole vault (11-03).

It was all about the relays for Fremd. The Vikings qualified in all four, including a victory in the 400 relay (49.79).

Senior Hanna Murakami and senior Cara Ogilvy played a big role.

The Vikings' duo combined with junior Anayia Veremis and sophomore Sumin Cho to win the 400 relay and added a third-place finish in the 800 relay (1:44.95).

They then combined with freshman Julia Finegan and sophomore Jordyn Iannuzzelli in capturing second place in the 1,600 relay (4:05.21).

"It's amazing, it's the first time for Fremd to advance all four relays," said Murakami. "We have been preaching team unity and we came together tonight."

"It has been rough but I'm really happy how it turned out," said Ogilvy.

Finegan and Iannuzzelli combined with junior Clare Ohler-O'Sullivan and junior Nupur Pokharkar in leading the Vikings to a second-place finish in the 3,200 relay (9:40.17).