Girls gymnastics: State contenders battle it out at Lake Forest

Sure, it's only January, with another month left before the state series will begin for girls gymnastics.

But already there are clearly a handful of teams that have established themselves among the best in the state - and many of them posted season-best scores while competing against one another Saturday.

Carmel Catholic (146.075), Geneva (143.1) and Conant (142.425) each produced their top efforts of the season, finishing behind team champion Prairie Ridge (146.525) in the Robin Straus Invitational at Lake Forest.

Like other schools, Carmel spent most of its holiday break in the gym, preparing for the finish phase of their season.

"The girls went out and were as strong as they could be on beam," said Carmel coach Nicole Stroup. "And they went out strong on floor, vault and bars. I credit them on how well they fought through it."

Geneva is relatively healthy this year, as compared to last season. That's been a big plus, and it's showing in the Vikings' scoring.

"I knew this would be a competitive meet, and we were excited to attend," Geneva coach Kim Hostman said. "The accomplishment for us to get third was really big. We were putting in new skills, and we showed what we could with these teams."

Geneva's Claire Rose Ginsberg had a season-best all-around score of 37.55. She was tops in floor exercise with a 9.6, third on bars (9.55) and finished in a fifth-place tie with teammate Michaela Allen (9.1) on the beam. Allen also placed fifth in the all-around (37)

Ginsberg has steadily made her way back after missing the end of last year due to injury.

"Floor was good for me, a highlight," Ginsberg said. "My bars was my highest score of the season so far. I've been focusing on some things and the team has been focusing on breaking 140."

Conant's Mel Meyrick earned top honors on the balance beam with a 9.35, while teammate Bailey Bloom finished tied for second with Carmel's Kelly Gustafson (9.2). Meyrick also placed fourth on vault (9.525) and fourth in the all-around (37.2).

"It was good, and I had a nice warm-up," Meyrick said. "It gave me more confidence going up there. We also did two hours of training on it (Friday). I think it all paid off and I was able to move up in this meet from last year."

On vault, Carmel's Isabella Kropiweic (9.575) and Kelly Gustafson (9.55) placed second and third behind winner Nikki Baars (9.7) of Prairie Ridge. Kropiweic also took fifth on bars (9.45); Baars earned the top spot (9.9).

On floor, Sammie Lococo placed fourth (9.475) and teammate Anna Osowski finished fifth (9.45).