Fine finishes for Fremd's Plichta, Prospect's Scala
Fremd freshman Sydney Plichta and Prospect sophomore Gianna Scala had their low points this season, but both finished on high notes at the girls gymnastic state meet at Palatine High School on Saturday.
Plichta started the season on the junior varsity team, but made a smooth transition to the varsity squad and capped her season by tying for the third-place medal on bars with an impressive 9.5.
“As soon as I saluted the judges I knew what I had to do,” said Plichta of her award-winning performance. “I knew I had to focus in, but I wanted to have some fun too.”
Scala put an exclamation point on her comeback from a midseason MCL sprain by tying for a fifth-place medal on floor exercise, hitting a 9.55.
“I was really just excited to make finals, and the chance of placing was just amazing,” said Scala. “I knew I had to hit really well, and I did it.”
Carmel also hit pretty well in securing its third consecutive state title and fifth overall, scoring an impressive 151.175 points in a dominant performance.
The Corsairs had three individual champions, with senior Kristin Mirski tying for first on the floor (9.575) for her second consecutive floor exercise title. Mirski also tied for third on the bars (9.5) and added a second-place finish on vault (9.85).
Junior Lauren Feely bolstered the Corsairs' effort by winning her second consecutive beam title (9.575), taking third on the vault (9.85) and tying for fifth on the floor (9.55).
Junior Sarah Cohen-Smith added a third individual title for the Corsairs with a first-place finish on vault (9.875).
Senior Ali Castriano capped a sensational high school career by tying for second on the beam (9.55), tying for fourth on the vault (9.725), and tying for fifth on the bars (9.45) leading Stevenson to second place with 149.175 points.
Freshman Rachael Underwood tied for second on the beam (9.55) in leading Prairie Ridge co-op to its first state trophy with a third-place finish and a school record 148.175 points.
“We had a really good year,” said Underwood, a Cary-Grove student, of the Wolves' success. “We can only improve if we keep working hard and keep cleaning up our routines.”
Freshman Riley Mahoney (9.7), also a Cary-Grove student, and senior Nikki Novaki (9.65) finished sixth and seventh on the vault for Prairie Ridge co-op.
“We have so much to look forward to,” said Prairie Ridge coach Lee Battaglia of his emerging program that featured Underwood and Mahoney, who finished third and sixth in the all-around. “It's a great start and they are our nucleus for the future.”
Fremd (146.65 points) finished a strong fourth, followed by Lake Forest (144.5), Lyons Township (144.475), Glenbard North (143.55) and New Trier (141.775).
Plichta was a bright spot for Fremd this season, as the freshman not only finished third on the bars, but also took seventh on beam (9.275).
“For a freshman to be put in this situation at state meet is pretty nerve-wracking,” said Fremd coach Tim Hamman, “but she has shown all season that she is able to keep her cool.”
Plichta's key move on the bars was a blind exchange into a straddle back.
“I was extremely excited,” said Plichta after completing her routine. “It's unexpected, but it's pretty cool being up there as a freshman.”
Scala's finish was also a bit unexpected after she missed a month of the season with her knee injury. But the Knight sophomore showed on Saturday she belongs with the state's elite.
“It solidifies her as one of the best in state,” said Prospect coach Randy Smith. “For her to overcome the knee injury is a testament to her character.”
Scala capped her fifth-place performance with a double full, which helped her become the first Prospect gymnast to secure a medal since Chris Hrbacek won bars in 1987.
“It feels really good,” said Scala. “I would love to be part of the best, and I'm just going to keep working to show that I belong there.”
It's safe to say both Plichta and Scala do belong with the best, and their medals prove it.
DeKalb Co-op senior Alyssa Lopez who won the all-around title on Friday, tied Mirski for first place on the floor (9.70). Glenbard North senior Amanda Quinn and Lyons Township freshman Kelsy Kurfirst tied for the individual title on the bars (9.6).