Tran in command; Stevenson wins NSC meet
History found a way to repeat itself.
Vernon Hills gymnast Alli Tran landed the North Suburban Conference girls gymnastics all-around championship with a 37.375 effort on Friday night. She also took top honors on the vault (9.925) and floor (9.55).
Tran became the first Cougars’ gymnast since Alison Nardini in 2006 to become the league vaulting champion. Ironically, Tran did the same vault as Nardini — a layout tsuk — at Ultimate Gymnastics in Gurnee
“It was my goal and I thought it be fun to do the same thing,” said Tran, who had heard about Nardini’s accomplishment before the meet. “It did cross my mind and it was an exciting thought that I did it.
“I’ve been working on my vault the last few weeks and its getting better. It all came together ... I had a little bounce in the landing. It was one of the best I’ve ever done.”
Tran also tied for second on bars with Mariah Lee of Libertyville at 9.45.
Stevenson won the meet by a narrow margin over Lake Forest, 144.6-143.95. Mundelein placed third (141.1).
Stevenson and Lake Forest will share the overall conference title because the Scouts won an earlier dual meet by one-tenth of point over the Patriots.
“It was a real squeaker,” Stevenson coach Judy Harwood said. “We have been really even all year.
“Our team right now is improving going into the regionals.”
The Patriots are still without Therese Wojton out (ankle injury) and Rebecca Feltman-Frank also out with (stress fracture).
Stevenson’s Ali Castriano, who took third in the all-around (36.75) behind Lake Forest’s Kylie Carlson (37.175), flew to top honors on the bars (9.5). Castriano finished second on vault (9.9) and tied for fifth on floor exercise with teammate Elizabeth Shank (9.25).
The Patriots’ Alyssa Weisberg placed third on beam (8.9) and Riley Trebilco was third on floor (9.4).
Jenna Dunsing of Libertyville had the only 9 on the beam, which earned her first place. She also took fourth on floor (9.3), and the Wildcats’ Rachael Metcalf was fourth on vault (9.85)
“That was the best routine of my life,” said Dunsing on her beam routine. “But it wasn’t my best score I’ve ever had. I felt like it was very clean.”
Mundelein’s Mackenzie Mahr finished fourth in the all-around (36.725), second on floor (9.5) and fifth on beam (8.65).