Hendricks harnesses pressure, soars to title
Conant's Kelly Hendricks felt a bit of pressure entering the Mid-Suburban League diving meet.
Hendricks had cruised through the dual meet season with a perfect record, but the senior was eyeing the conference crown after finishing second last year.
Hendricks handled the pressure, and then she handled the competition by taking first with 394.45 points at Barrington.
"There was a bit of pressure," said Hendricks, who hit back twisters in the fourth and fifth round to catapult her to the crown. "But after the first 5 dives I was good to go."
Palatine's Mallory Fischer (379 points) took second followed by Barrington's Amy Madden (325.30 points) and Hersey's Kate Reszotko (317 points).
Conant's Kaylee Sickafoose (314.40) took fifth place and Palatine's Alex Planica (296.35) finished sixth.
Hendricks finished 13th in state last season, and the senior has had steady season and seems poised for a big finish.
"She's been consistent this season," said Conant diving coach Robin Yactor of her senior. "Coming in she knew she had some tough competition, but she knew what she needed to do."
Fischer has had a breakout season for the Pirates and capped it with her second-place finish. The sophomore is in only her second year of competitive diving, but she looked comfortable on Friday.
"Coming in last year I had no experience and everything was new," said Fischer, who spent the summer at Windy City Diving to add to her experience. "This year I have more of an idea where I am. I'm more sure of myself."
Which has allowed Palatine diving coach Donna O'Brien to increase the difficulty of her dives.
"She has gained a lot of confidence," added O'Brien of the rising sophomore star. "She's more in charge of the dives than me."
Barrington was missing Maureen Doyle, who was out with tonsillitis, but Madden stepped up to secure third place for the Fillies.
"I was a little nervous at first," said Madden who was concerned about the reverse half dive. "I had to take it one dive at a time."
The swimming portion of the meet will begin at 11 a.m. today at Barrington.