Valley’s Penny takes 3rd in all-around at sectional
The Waubonsie Valley/Metea Valley co-op girls gymnastics team knew it didn’t have a very good chance of advancing to state as a team for the first time.
Lyons Twp. and Hinsdale Central simply have been scoring regularly in the mid-140-range this season, so Waubonsie Valley/Metea Valley focused on having as good of a meet as possible with hopes of advancing some individuals to the state meet in Palatine on Feb. 18-19.
The team didn’t disappoint. Competing for the second time in three days, the co-op squad took third place with a 141.925.
More significant was the night had by freshman Jordyn Penny, who took third in the all-around with a 37.3. Penny also was fourth on vault with a 9.525 and won on beam with a 9.675.
“We knew what we were going against with Hinsdale (Central) and Lyons so we just wanted to hit,” Waubonsie Valley/Metea Valley coach Nicole Daly said. “I thought we had a really good meet.”
Maddie Strick placed fourth on bars with a 9.125 to also earn a trip to the state finals for Waubonsie Valley/Metea Valley.
Elizabeth Brandenburg tied for 15th in the all-around for Waubonsie Valley/Metea Valley with a 34.650.
Jessica Malon contributed a 9.2 on floor and 8.5 on bars, and freshman Alexa Puccio had an 8.75 on vault for Waubonsie Valley/Metea Valley.
“We’ve been working hard all season so it was good to finish like we did as a team,” Waubonsie Valley/Metea Valley’s Elizabeth Brandenburg said. “I had hoped to make it to state, but hopefully I’ll do it next year.”
Neuqua Valley’s Jaime Butler tied for 18th in the all-around with a 34.3.
“She was our standout, going 4 for 4 tonight,” Neuqua Valley coach Christine Clark said. “And Morgan (Knight) did great on bars, especially for the little time she’s had to prepare.”
Knight took 10th on bars with an 8.825.
Unfortunately for the Wildcats, Sara Cushing sustained an injury in the meet and was unable to compete on vault and floor. She had an 8.625 on bars and 8.375 on beam.
Naperville North’s Hope Turner posted an 8.475 on bars while senior Kate Noreen concluded her career with a 25th-place finish in the all-around with a 32.3.
“I didn’t do my best, but that’s gymnastics,” Noreen said. “I was just happy to be able to compete with these awesome gymnasts. I would’ve liked to have finished stronger, but it’s still not a bad experience at all.”
Naperville Central’s Grace Ellis had an 8.450 on floor and 8.475 to lead the Redhawks. Brittany Mitchell had an 8.975 and Claire Savard added an 8.650 on vault, while freshman Logan Hassler edged senior Kendall Hassler, 8.325 to 8.3 on floor for the Redhawks.