Fremd all-arounder Van Duch returns in style
Alyssia Van Duch wasted little time in picking up where she left off from last season.
The Fremd junior was a state qualifier last season in the all-around, but suffered a left ankle injury in the first meet of this girls gymnastics season.
Van Duch came back strong at Wednesday's Mid Suburban League triangular meet at Hoffman Estates taking first in the all-around (36.05) and lifting Fremd to the victory with 140.55 points.
Prospect (135.7) used a strong beam performance in taking second and host Hoffman Estates (116.3) took third.
Van Duch took first on the floor (9.2), second on the beam (9.15) and third on the bars (9.0) in a solid performance.
"I was a little nervous," said Van Duch of her return. "The main thing is I wanted to get my confidence back, and I think I did."
The junior was back in her comfort zone, especially on the floor where she finished clean despite a malfunction with the sound system.
Van Duch had plenty of help from a deep Fremd team with sophomore Stephanie Uhrich (9.0) and freshman Shannon Lemajeur (8.9) going 1-2 on the vault, and senior Caitlin Golota took second on the bars (9.1).
Lemajeur (9.1) and sophomore Elizabeth Uhrich (8.9) completed the Viking sweep on the floor going 2-3.
"I think we have the potential to do really well as long as we stay consistent on every event," added Van Duch, "We just need to stay healthy and go out there and do the best we can."
Fremd has had to mix and match its lineup all season because of injuries and illnesses, but its potential was definitely on display on Wednesday.
"We have not hit our stride yet," said Fremd coach Jim Guest. "I think we will at some time and hopefully that's at the right time."
Prospect is continuing its climb and received a big lift on the beam on Wednesday with a 36.15.
Sophomore Lauren Johnson (9.35) and senior Katie Colmone (9.05) took first and third place on the beam to lead the Knights, with junior Sarah Pekar adding a 9.0.
"We went 5-for-5 and really hit on the beam," added Prospect coach Julian Basler of his team. "We still have room for improvement, but I couldn't be happier for with the girls."
Colmone, who only participated in two events, took first on the bars (9.3) sticking her dismount.
Johnson tied Sarah Pekar for third on the vault (8.8).
"We're definitely coming together," added Johnson of the Knights' performance. "We're working on new skills and we're starting to throw them in our routines."
Senior Trina Pasco paced Hoffman with a solid performance on the beam (8.5).
"I think we're going out and competing a little better," said Hoffman coach Dave Calisch. "We threw a few new skills and we're looking down the road and where we're going to be at conference. Just adding the new skills is a big step forward for us."
Barrington building momentum: Barrington scored a 139.40 in its victory over Vernon Hills on Monday and continued its momentum on Wednesday, taking first in the MSL West triangular with 138.6.
Schaumburg (136.6) took second followed by Conant (102.8).
Sophomore Tiffany Persels took first on the vault (9.2) and added a third place on both the beam (8.55) and floor (9.3) for Barrington.
Junior Lexi Marsella took first on the beam (9.2), second on the floor (9.4), and third on the bars (8.75) for the Fillies.
"We're not at full strength but we're still competing hard," said Barrington coach Jason Loeffler. "I see the potential this team has and the girls are really excited."
Peek ahead: Palatine hosts the Oldham Invite at 11 a.m. Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Prospect and Wheeling will also be in the field.
It will mark the first major invite of the season for Palatine and its young team should get a stern test from Naperville North and Libertyville.
"We're excited, it's a home meet with our home crowd," added Palatine coach Terry Theobald. "There are four or five solid teams, so it should be a good meet."
Fremd travels to the New Trier Invitational, which starts at noon at the West campus.
Stevenson, Carmel, and Hinsdale Central will also be in the field.
"It's going to be a tough meet," said Fremd coach Jim Guest. "We're going to have to perform a lot better than we did today to hang with those teams."