Scala’s return lifts Prospect to school record
Prospect’s Giana Scala missed four weeks due to a sprained MCL in her left leg, but the sophomore was back on Saturday to give the Knights a much-needed boost.
Scala (37.0) and senior Lauren Johnson (36.95) went 1-2 in the all-around, powering host Prospect to the title with a school record 143.55 in its own Knights Invitational
Schaumburg took second with 138.56 points, followed by Buffalo Grove (129.5), Elk Grove (125.7 points), Rolling Meadows (123.56 points), and Wheeling (122.375 points).
“Having Giana (Scala) back not only helps our score, but it puts less stress on the rest of the girls,” said Prospect coach Randy Smith. “It was the spark that we needed.”
Scala took first on vault (9.6), second on beam (9.45) and had third-place finishes on bars (8.9) and floor (9.05).
“I’m little more tired than usual,” said Scala of her return. “We started off on bars really strong and we just wanted to keep hitting.”
Johnson has elevated her game this season and it showed on Saturday as the senior took first on the bars (9.4) and beam (9.5) to go with a second-place finish on vault (9.55).
“Giana just bring so much to the team, consistency and energy, it’s nice to have her back,” said Johnson. “The team has been working hard and we just wanted to come out tonight and do our best.”
Freshman Maddie Larock added to the Knights’ attack by taking second on bars (9.1) and fourth in the all-around (35.75).
Elk Grove sophomore Amelia Rafferty also made quite an impression. Rafferty took first on floor (9.45) and delivered fourth-place finishes on vault (9.35) and beam (9.25).
“I feel my confidence rising,” said Rafferty, who finished third in the all-around (36.10). “I’m trying to think through each routine and stay focused.”
Schaumburg junior Erin Barrett took second on the floor (9.1) and fourth on the bars (8.7) and fifth in the all-around (35.35). Freshman Tarah Shomer added fifth-place finishes on vault (9.3) and beam (9.0), with sophomore Kat Young supplying a fifth-place effort on floor (8.75) to bolster the Saxons’ attack.
Jordan Mann took third on the vault (9.4) and senior Katie Strack added a third place finish on the beam (9.3) to lead Buffalo Grove.
Rachel Andersen lifted Rolling Meadows with a fourth-place finish on floor (8.8).