Stevenson finds winning blend at Conant
Stevenson gymnastic coach Judy Hardwood has had the luxury of exploring different lineups in the early part of the season.
The Patriots have a blend of experience and youth that would make any coach envious of the position Hardwood is in.
And while Stevenson has yet to flash its full hand, the Patriots have shown more than enough potential to send shivers down their competitor's backs.
On Saturday, Stevenson gave a glimpse of that potential by winning the 30th annual Conant Gymnastic Invitational by nipping Carmel 111.65-110.00 in Hoffman Estates. Glenbard West (106.80) took third followed by Lincoln-Way (105.10) and Lake Forest (103.4750).
"We had some highs, and we had some lows today," Harwood said of her team's performance. "But overall it was a strong performance and we have a lot of potential we haven't explored yet."
Senior Chelsie Seplowin (9.5) and senior Shana Manning (9.425) went 1-2 on the beam with Theresa Wojton (9.125) taking fifth.
Senior Stephanie Wojton (9.5) and Seplowin (9.45) added another 1-2 finish on the floor aided by freshman Ali Castriano (9.10) who took sixth.
"We had a couple of rough patches but we're saving it," said Seplowian, "we know we can do better and we know the things we have to clean up."
The Patriots flashed their youth on the bars as sophomore Caitlin Pagano (9.65) and Ali Castriano (9.55) finished 1-2 with Manning (9.10) taking sixth.
"We all have our specialties," added Pagano who hit career best on the bars. "And we all know what we're doing and we work really well together."
Castriano (9.35) finished fifth on the vault and Manning (36.175) took fourth in the all-around to cap the Patriots performance.
"It's early in the season and everyday they show me something different," said Harwood of her team's depth. "I make different decisions on what we're going to throw and what order to show the judges. It gets to be an interesting game."
Carmel also showed it has plenty of game this season.
Junior Amber Mirski (36.925) and her freshman sister Kristin (36.675) finished 2-3 in the all-around to lead the Corsairs.
Amber took third on the beam (9.4) and floor (9.4), finished seventh on the vault (9.275) and eighth on the bars (8.85).
"I had a pretty strong all-around," said Amber who threw a double back on both the floor and bars. "I stuck my double back and that was my main goal for today."
Kristin finished fourth on both the floor (9.25) and vault (9.375), took fifth on the bars (9.0) and seventh on the beam (9.05).
Jen Zeller (9.4) added a third place finish on the vault and Dani Clement (9.1) added a sixth place finish on the beam for the Corsairs.
"The beam I was really excited it was the first one I stuck all season," added Clement, who also took eighth on the floor (9.0). "Definitely made some progress."
"I am so much happier with their enthusiasm and their aggressiveness on each event," added Carmel coach Sarah Mikrut-Doyle. "Obviously there is still room for improvement, but they actually showed today on different events."
Junior Sarah Udelhofen took sixth on the vault (9.3) and 10th on the beam (8.85) to lead Glenbard West.
"We've been pretty consistent throughout the whole year," said Udelhofen of Glenbard West's performance. "We've been doing well and we just want to see how far we can get."
Becky Mladucky took fourth on the bars (9.15) and tied for eighth on the floor (9.0), with Missy Guzman (35.10) taking seventh in the all-around, Kinnari Badger (9.25) finishing eighth on the vault, and Megan Brennan (8.95) securing 10th on the floor for Glenbard West.
Sophomore Brooke Shimon (9.3) took fourth on the beam to lead Schaumburg (101.75) to sixth place.
Shimon is easing herself back into competition after having surgery on both elbows. The sophomore has been patient in her comeback and flashed her potential on Saturday by taking eighth in the all-around (35.0).
"It's been a bit frustrating but overall I am happy with how I performed today," said Shimon. "All my routines have been watered down, but I'll be bumping them up for the next invite."
Caitlin Barrett (34.4) finished ninth in the all-around to aid the Saxons.
Kristen Mpistalorides (8.9) took 14th on the vault to lead host Conant (99.05) to seventh place.
"It was pretty rough for us," said Conant coach Lorel Cunningham of her team that had a couple falls on both the vault and bars. "But we finished stronger than we started."
Wheaton Warrenville South (98.125) took eighth, followed by Warren (96.60).
Junior Katie Vovolka finished sixth in the all-around (35.35) and placed ninth in both the vault (9.2) and bars (8.8) to lead Warren.
"It wasn't my best but I'm glad I got through it," said Vovolka who is coming back from torn ligaments in her foot suffered during the summer.
Trina Pasco took 14th in the all-around (31.45) leading Hoffman Estates (89.00) to 11th place.
Amie Cipolla finished 13th in the all-around (31.55) for Lakes, which finished 12th at 85.55.