Girls swimming sectional previews
At Stevenson
When: Today - diving 9 a.m., swimming 1 p.m.
Teams to watch: Barrington will favored after winning its 17th consecutive Mid-Suburban League title. The Fillies bested host Stevenson at the Lake County invite earlier this season and are hoping to carry the momentum from its conference performance. Wheeling's fourth-place finish in the MSL has it optimistic about its chances. Palatine finished tied for fifth in the MSL with Prospect and should advance some individuals and relays. Buffalo Grove should make some noise at this sectional. St. Viator has also had a strong season and is looking for some of its young swimmers to make a mark. Hersey and Maine West will also be in the 12-team field.
Individuals to watch: Barrington senior Kim Steelman and junior Emily Fogle will lead the Fillies. Steelman won the 50 and 100 free in the MSL and will be a big part of the Fillies relays. Fogle is one of the best in state in the 100 breast and her victory in the 200 IM at the MSL meet also created quite a buzz. Freshman Erika Elliot, sophomore Andi Leesly, sophomore Anne Jacobson, sophomore Jacqueline Holdsberg and junior Victoria Waring add depth. Seniors Amy Madden and Maureen Doyle will be looking to qualify for the second consecutive year in diving. Wheeling's Marissa Reeve won the 500 free in the MSL and will be joined by senior Liseli Baich, who took third in the MSL in the 100 free. Freshman Leah Malsom will add depth for the Wildcats. Sophomore Mallory Fisher has had a breakout season in diving for Palatine. Monica Dorszewski won the 200 free and finished third in the 100 breast for the Pirates at the MSL meet. Freshman Nicole Huffman is also a threat. Meg Dix, Michelle Schueler, Kelly Wilson and Molly Nordyke will lead Prospect in the 200 free relay. Sophomores Melanie Battaglia and Stephanie Nolan will lead St. Viator. Senior Erin Rodriguez took first in the 100 fly and second in the 200 IM in the MSL and will power Buffalo Grove. Sara Fasching, Rosie Fasching, and Angela Rodriguez will join Erin in the 200 medley relay. Hersey's senior Kathryn Korff is a threat in the sprints.
At York
When: Today - diving 9 a.m., swimming 1 p.m.
Teams to watch: Fremd and Schaumburg finished second and third in the MSL and will be a threat at this sectional. The Vikings have solid core to lead its attack. Schaumburg is coming off one of its most successful seasons and has high expectations. Conant, Elk Grove, Hoffman Estates, Rolling Meadows will also be in the 12-team field.
Individuals to watch: Senior Kelli Dicanio adds plenty of experience to Fremd. She finished second in the 100 breast at the MSL meet. Sophomore Megan Kennedy has come on strong this season, finishing third in the MSL in the 500 free. Dicanio and Kennedy will be joined by Erika Lauraitis and Allison McCarthey in the 200 medley relay. Schaumburg sophomore Sammy Schuckles won the 100 back and took second in the 50 free at the MSL meet. She has plenty of game and will be a threat. Senior Amanda Creevy took second at conference in the 100 free and will join Schuckles, Emily Langlotz and Nicole Mundie in the 200 free relay. Also beware of the Saxons' 200 medley relay. Senior Kelly Hendricks won the MSL diving title and will be looking for her third trip to the state meet for Conant. Sophomore Maddie Conlon and freshman Vicky Vockeroth lead Meadows.
- Michael Eaken