Zurlo, Kamysz help Hersey to season-high score
Hersey's girls gymnastics team took a big step forward at Thursday's Mid-Suburban League triangular.
Senior Alysa Zurlo (36.6) and sophomore Mackenzie Kamysz (36.05) were first and third in the all-around to power the Huskies to a victory with a season-high score of 141.90.
Palatine also hit a season-high 138.0 to grab second place followed by Buffalo Grove (136.85).
"It was one of our biggest meets," said Hersey coach Shannon Barrett as the Huskies took firm control of the MSL East race. "I put the pressure on them. I needed them to hit and they went out and did that."
Zurlo set the tone, capping her night by taking first on the floor (9.4). She also took third on the vault (9.15), bars (8.9), and beam (9.15) to anchor the Huskies' attack.
Last year, Hersey's best mark was a 139.2 at the MSL meet.
The Huskies are feeling a bit confident after surpassing that mark before January this season.
"We are working toward our goals," said Zurlo. "We learned from last year and wanted to come in strong this year and keep growing."
Kamysz has definitely given the Huskies a lift this season.
The sophomore took first on the beam (9.45) and tied for third on the floor (9.1) on Thursday.
Junior Maggie Barton was limited to two events but came up big by tying for first on the bars (9.0).
"We usually peak late in the season," Barrett said. "But they all have been focusing and working really hard this season."
Palatine also made a big jump on Thursday. The Pirates easily eclipsed their previous season-best mark of 132.40 with a clutch performance.
Junior Kara Ure has been the Pirates' rock this season. She tied for third on the floor (9.1) and took fourth in the all-around (35.75).
"After this meet we are feeling much better about the direction we are going," said Ure, who also took fourth on the bars (8.75). "We went in positive and got the energy flowing."
Sophomore Abigail Amato definitely had the energy flowing.
She tied for first on the bars (9.0) and took fifth in the all-around (34.65).
Buffalo Grove has also elevated its performance.
The Bison were missing a few key pieces on Thursday but still had solid performance.
Senior Diandre Duenser set the tone by taking second in the all-around (36.25).
She added a first on the vault (9.35) and second-place finishes on the floor (9.3) and beam (9.4) for a solid performance.
"I added a lot more difficulty to my routines last year, and now I'm just getting more comfortable," said Duenser, who has been battling a season-long virus.
Junior Teresa Riles has added to the Bison attack in her first season. She added a second-place finish on vault (9.2).