Schaumburg hangs on; Abby Madden wins all-around

Schaumburg entered the girls gymnastic regionals riding a high.

The Saxons had just hit a season best 143.15 in taking an impressive second place at the Mid-Suburban League meet on Friday. But there was no rest for the weary Saxons.

Host Schaumburg didn't seem to be fazed by the quick turn around for much of the evening and picked up where they left off, but the Saxons stumbled a bit on the last event, the beam.

Despite those miscues, Schaumburg showed a bit of resolve by winning its first regional title since 1996, scoring 143.10.

The Saxons advance to their own sectional next Monday at 6:30 p.m. Hersey took second with 134.75 points and should be in contention for one of the at-large berths. Elk Grove (119.475) and Hoffman Estates 116.575 points took third and fourth.

"Not quite the way we wanted it to end," said Schaumburg coach Jami Stilling, "But I think they're tired and they kind of let it get to them."

St. Edward freshman Abby Madden took first in the all-around (36.675) and sophomore Jordyn Madden added third place in the all-around (36.30).

Abby Madden took second on the vault (9.35) and beam (9.075), and added a pair of thirds on the floor (9.4) and bars (8.85).

"It's so exciting," added Abby Madden of her all-around title. "I was so nervous coming in, I never thought I'd get first. It gives me a lot of confidence, and I just have to keep hitting my routines."

Jordyn Madden missed qualifying for the beam in sectional last year with two falls, but the sophomore nailed her routine on Monday, taking first with a 9.15.

The sophomore also took third on the vault (9.3), with a fourth place finish on the bars (8.8).

"We've been nailing every single routine at practice," added Jordyn of sister's duo. "We just have to go out and pretend it's practice."

Ashley Miller (36.525), Brooke Shimon (35.975) and Caitlin Barrett (35.755) powered Schaumburg by taking second, fourth, and fifth in the all-around.

Miller opened the meet on fire, taking first in the vault (9.425), and nailing her Tkatchev release in taking first on the bars (9.7). She was also clean in taking first on the floor (9.4). But the sophomore star had two falls on the beam, spoiling an otherwise dazzling performance.

"It's tough when you get to the meet and know you can hit," said Miller who won the MSL all-around. "You've done it a million times - then you fall on the one that counts."

Shimon continued a solid season by taking third on floor (9.375), fourth on vault (9.025) and beam (8.975) and fifth on bars (8.6).

But it was junior Caitlin Barrett who lifted the tired Saxons by taking second on both bars (9.025) and beam (9.10), and finishing fourth on floor (9.15).

"The beginning of the year I was really rusty," said Barrett. "But I had a breakthrough, and everything is clearing up and getting better."

Freshman Erin Barrett aided the Saxons by tying Shimon for fourth on the beam (8.975).

Junior Katie Dewar took fifth on the floor (9.075) and junior Haley Scott added a fifth place finish on the vault (9.0) in powering Hersey.

"I've always been looking for that extra kick, and I finally found it," said Dewar of her floor routine.

Now the Huskies, who finished fifth in the MSL, are hoping their score holds up in order to secure an at-large berth to the sectionals.

"It's hard and it's going to be suspenseful," added Dewar.