Sarantakis sets tempo for Fremd in regionals

Fremd senior Tori Sarantakis wasted little time in setting the tone for the Vikings in the postseason.

Sarantakis swept all four individual events in winning the all-around with a career-best 38.875, leading host Fremd to its 18th consecutive girls gymnastics regional title with 146.70 points Tuesday night in Palatine.

Niles West hit a solid 135.925 to secure second place followed by Elk Grove (131.375), Hoffman Estates (120.200), and Fenton (116.925).

Fremd advances to next Tuesday's Lake Park sectional at 6:30 p.m.

Sarantakis had a flawless night in taking first on the vault (9.7), beam (9.725), and floor (9.8) and tying teammate Cailtin Golota for first on the bars (9.65).

"Tori had a career day," said Fremd coach Jim Guest of his senior's performance. "And to do it to start the state series off her senior year, that's awesome."

"It's definitely is a good way to get things started," said Sarantakis.

Junior Cailtin Golota also had an impressive showing. Besides tying Sarantakis for first on bars, the junior also took second on the vault (9.4), third on the beam (8.825), and fourth on the floor (9.1), leading to second place in the all-around (36.975).

Golota rebounded nicely on the floor after scoring an 8.225 at the Mid-Suburban League meet last Friday. The junior hit her first pass and that propelled her for the rest of her routine.

"That was big, it definitely gave me a lot of confidence," said Golota, who has been battling a right ankle injury. "There's still a lot more I can do, but I'm on my way."

Sarah Torp and Alyssia VanDuch are also on their way. Torp hit a 9.45 on the beam to take second and finished fifth on the floor (9.075), while VanDuch placed fourth in the all-around (35.80), finishing third on the vault (9.375) and tying for fourth on the bars (9.10) leading a solid Viking effort.

"We had a good meet, but not a great meet," added Guest, "But we have some time now before sectionals."

Kim Gulik finished fifth in the all around (35.575) to lead Elk Grove. The senior finished fourth on the bars (9.1), vault (9.125), and beam (8.70).

"I just wanted to stay clean to qualify," said Gulik, who is eyeing a return trip to the state meet. "I've seen everybody, now it's just sticking my own skills."

Junior Christine Baldovin also qualified for the Grenadiers by taking fifth on the vault (9.025).