Cook County girls gymnastics preview

Teams to watch

Fremd just missed a trophy last year, finishing fourth at the state meet with 146.6 points. Glenbard North (146.7) and took third, nipping the Vikings. Fremd was missing Caitlin Golota due to injury, but the senior returns this year and the Vikings should be back in the trophy hunt along with Carmel, Stevenson, Sandburg, Hinsdale Central, and Lake Forest. Fremd is a young team, but has plenty of experience with Golota, Alyssa Van Duch, Maegan Wochinski, and sophomore twins Elizabeth and Stephanie Uhrich all returning. Fremd is also looking to defend its MSL title, but Palatine, Hersey, Barrington, Prospect, and Schaumburg will definitely be in the hunt.

Fremd: Golota provides plenty of leadership for an experienced team with Van Duch and Wochinski complimenting the senior. The Vikings lost all-around star Tori Sarantakis, but have more than enough firepower and will once again be in the state hunt.

Palatine: The Pirates had an off year last season but are looking to rebound this season. Junior Nicole Barba and sophomore Marissa Mallon will lead the attack for a young team that should get better as the season progresses.

Barrington: The Fillies lost Laura Sculley to graduation, but Lexi Marsella is looking to lead a young team that is dealing with a few early season injuries.

Prospect: Senior Katie Colmone leads the Knights with support from Christina and Sarah Pekar. The Knights are looking to win their seventh consecutive MSL East division title.

Schaumburg: Brooke Shimon, Ashley Miller, and Caitlin Barrett lead a strong Saxon squad that will be in the mix.

Hersey: The Huskies are looking forward to the return of Kate Reszotko, who missed all of last season with an injury. Katie Dewar will also aid Hersey's attack.

Buffalo Grove: All-around star Linda Dunne leads the Bison attack. Katie Strack will compliment Dunne for BG.

Conant: Kristen Mpistolarides will lead a Cougar attack that graduated 7 seniors from last years team.

Rolling Meadows: The Mustangs loss all around star Jen Anderson to graduation, but Lauren Cerza is hoping to pick up the slack and lead Meadows.

Elk Grove: The Grenadiers will miss Kim Gulik, who graduated last season, but Christine Baldovin, Laney Bernatz, and Emily Hennessy will aid Elk Grove's attack.

Wheeling: Amy Burke is one of the top all arounders and is back to lead the Wildcat attack.

Hoffman Estates: Trina Pasco and Jenna McCreary will pace the Hawks.

Maine West: Michelle Madalinski and Stacey Delgado lead the Warriors in the Central Suburban North.

Leyden: Khrystyna Lychagina, Jenny Urbaniak, and Elizabeth Reed are hoping to lead the Eagles to the West Suburban Gold title.

Gymnasts to watch

Linda Dunne, Buffalo Grove: The Bison senior finished 6th at the state meet on the balance beam and will be one of the all around performers in state this season.

Caitlin Golota, Fremd: The Viking senior was headed for a fantastic finish last season before injuring her ankle. She is one of the best when healthy.

Alyssia Van Duch, Fremd: The Viking junior was a state qualifier in the all around last season and is looking to pick up where she left off.

Katie Colmone, Prospect: The Knight senior is hoping to put it all together this season, she already has shown her skills on the bar and vault.

Amy Burke, Wheeling: The Wildcat senior took second last season in the MSL last season the floor and is an all around threat.

Brooke Shimon, Schaumburg: The junior is coming off a strong sophomore season and will be one of the top all around performers in the MSL.

Katie Dewar, Hersey: The junior finished second in the all around in the regionals and is looking to continue her success this season.

Lexi Marsella, Barrington: The junior was a state qualifier on the vault and will lead the Fillies.

Maegan Wochinski, Fremd: Qualified for state on the bars last season.

Kate Reszotko, Hersey: The senior missed all of last season, but was a state qualifier her sophomore year.

Nicole Barba, Palatine: The junior will lead the Pirates attack this season and is looking to qualify for state this season.

What they're saying

"I feel more prepared this season and I feel more comfortable overall after last year's experience."

- Buffalo Grove senior Linda Dunne

"I'm really excited about the year. We're all a little bit disappointed with the ending last year, this year we definitely appreciate it more and wanted it more."

- Fremd senior Caitlin Golota

<div id="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Related stories</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=341447">Colmone and Co. aim to extend Prospect's improvement <span class="date">[12/04/09]</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>