Feely helps Carmel take state lead
As early as age 4, Lauren Feely had found her niche in sports. She liked to spin.
On Friday night, that early interest led to a very adult accomplishment.
As a sophomore with the Carmel Catholic girls gymnastics team, Feely placed fourth in the all-around with a 37.525 total in the state meet at Palatine High School.
“I’ve been doing this sport for a long time,” Feely said. “I used to play soccer and did cartwheels on the field. I used to jump off things too. So my mom thought it was a good idea going into gymnastics.”
Good idea, mom. Make that great.
Feely finished behind Jenny Covers of Prairie Ridge (38.7), who has won the all-around two of the last three years. Second went to Jessica Morrealle of DeKalb (38.2750) and Schaumburg’s Ashley Miller (37.75) was third.
“I really have no clue, but it does mean a lot to me,” said Feely of being one of the state’s elite gymnasts. “To be that high for my first year means a lot. I’m just so excited to be out here helping my team.”
Feely posted the highest score on beam alongside Miller (9.475) and also qualified on vault (9.65) for today finals, which begins at 5:45 p.m.
“I did have problems, and I hit events that I didn’t expect, too,” Feely said. “I want to look on the bright side of things and I want to come back stronger.”
Defending state champion Carmel has its sight set on repeating. The Corsairs sit 1 full point better then Lake Forest 148.875-147.875. Schaumburg currently holds third 147.35, followed by Stevenson 146.7, Hinsdale Central 146.675, Fremd 145.425, Glenbard West 144.65 and Prairie Ridge 143.15,
“We were coming off a strong meet at Stevenson,” said Carmel coach Sarah Doyle, whose team had a state-best 151.6 in the Stevenson sectional. “It was something to think about. But we’re thankful to be in this position.
“We had four great routines on the floor, and that’s been a staple for us. They did come through for us — whew!”
Carmel pulled out a 37.8 on floor, posting scores from Kristin Mirski (9.65), Jen Zeller (9.5), Dani Clement (9.35) and Anna Brandmeier (9.3). The Corsairs found themselves in a three-team battle going into the last rotation.
“When I went on floor, I was thinking, ‘This is it,’ ” said Mirski, who also qualified for finals on vault (9.75). “I knew this was my routine. Floor is my best and I knew I had to rock it. I definitely knew I would get it for myself and my team.”
Other Corsairs competing on Saturday night include Sarah Cohen-Smith on vault (9.625) and Jen Zeller on bars (9.375),
Stevenson’s Ali Castriano qualified on the vault (9.675) and Riley Treblico made it on beam (9.175). But the Patriots didn’t have the meet they wanted, partly due to some injuries and illnesses.
“It was a little disappointing after doing so well all season,” Stevenson coach Judy Harwood said. “Caitlin Pagano has dealt with the flu the last two days and Ali (Castriano) competed with a torn abdominal muscle.
“We made a good try for it. We made our goal of making it to state this year after missing last year.”
Alli Tran of Vernon Hills will be making her first trip into the finals on bars (9.375).
“After my routine, I saw the score and it wasn’t the score I was expecting,” said Tran, a sophomore who also chalked up 10th in the all-around (37.05). “It’s also my favorite event.”
Libertyville’s Leah Herchenbach also qualified on the floor (9.45).
Lake Forest’s Melanie Foster landed into Saturday’s finals on beam (9.325) along with teammate Katherine McKeon (9.125), and Kylie Carlson advanced on floor (9.475).