Hersey holds off Glenbrook North to win sectional
Based on only being separated by .55 points with their regional scores, everyone was expecting a close encounter when Hersey and Glenbrook North went head to head Wednesday night at the IHSA Hoffman Estates girls sectional gymnastics meet.
And that is exactly what the crowd got as the Huskies managed to hold off the Spartans 143.225 to 142.45 for the sectional title to advance to the state meet next weekend at Palatine. The top five individuals in every event and all-around also advanced to state while the at-large teams and individual qualifiers will be determined after the final sectional Thursday night.
Hersey junior Sabrina Nemcek (9.34 average) edged Palatine sophomore Jolee Waddington 37.35 to 36.975 for the all-around crown followed by Barrington freshman Aybree Sanchez (36.225) in third place overall.
The Huskies held a 107.175 to 106.925 lead over Glenbrook North heading into the final event as Hersey scored 36.05 points on uneven bars to 35.525 points for the Spartans on floor exercise to clinch the championship. Barrington easily locked up third place with 139.525 points.
“Floor was a little rough (34.875 points), but vault (37.5 points) was huge and we're unstoppable on that event,” said Hersey coach Shannon Barrett. “Tonight she (Nemcek) hit everything but one event (uneven bars), and that is the event she won last year at state.”
Nemcek had to settle for a 9.2 after missing her difficult dismount on bars, but she is still very optimistic heading into the state meet.
“We had some ups and downs in the middle of the meet and we were able to finish very strong,” Nemcek said. “I have a chance of winning the all-around if I really hit, and I'm definitely looking for a challenge.”
Barrington's Anika Patel (35.85) placed fourth overall while St. Charles North's Emily Johnson (35.5), and Prospect's Megan Goumas (35.1) have a good shot to reach state as at-large qualifiers. Hersey's Grace Johnson (35.05) was a huge factor for her squad.
Fremd's Julia White (9.25) placed second on bars while Hersey's Gianna Mazzola (9.45) placed third on balance beam. Conant's Marissa Schulman (9.0) placed fifth on beam while Waddington won floor (9.325) and bars (9.3).
“I can't be more happy for these girls and I had two girls (Adriana Merzyn and Sierra Stenette) come back from injury tonight,” said Barrington coach Jason Loeffler. “This was a season-high score and we were 4-for-5 on beam. And it's a huge morale booster when these kids can stay on beam.”
Heading into Thursday, Lake Zurich is clinging to the fourth and final at-large team berth to state with 141.45 points.