Schaumburg ties school-record score
Schaumburg kept rolling on Tuesday at Prospect.
The Saxons tied a school record and hit a season-best 143.80 in taking first at the Mid-Suburban League crossover triangular meet.
Host Prospect was also impressive, hitting a season-best 140.4 in taking second with Elk Grove (123.65) finishing third.
Schaumburg senior Brooke Shimon set the pace by taking first in the all-around (37.45), with first-place finishes on the vault (9.3) and bars (9.4); she tied for second on the floor (9.55).
Junior Ashley Miller also contributed to the Saxons' attack by tying for second on the beam (9.25) and taking third on the vault (9.0).
But the Saxons are far from a two-man show, as senior Caitlin Barrett took first on the beam, hitting an impressive 9.55.
“She's going with the flow and working hard,” said Schaumburg coach Jami Stilling of Barrett's performance. “She's definitely stepping up.”
Barrett also took third on the bars (9.0) after hitting with a clean routine.
“We came into today trying to continue to do what we've been doing every meet,” said Barrett. “We're a really strong team and we're gaining more skill, it's amazing how far we've come.”
Prospect has also made huge strides since the beginning of the season, with freshman Gianna Scala propelling the Saxons' attack.
Scala hit a school record in taking second in the all-around (37.20), and the freshman also notched a school record in taking first on the floor (9.65).
Scala kept it going by taking second on the bars (9.15) and vault (9.20).
“Today I was just trying to do my best and it really worked out,” said Scala of her impressive performance. “Each meet I'm just trying to get my scores a little higher, and the team has really improved too.”
Prospect's previous team best this season was a 134.4, but the Knights made quite a jump on Wednesday.
Sophomore Meggie Kania hit on the floor (9.3) by taking fifth, and senior Sarah Pekar added a fifth-place finish for the Knights on the bars (8.5).
“I don't mind being the sleeper team you don't have to win every meet during the season,” said first-year Prospect coach Randy Smith. “It's important to hit at the end of the season. Now we just have to clean thing up over the break.”
Amelia Rafferty also made quite an impression for Elk Grove, the freshman took third in the all-around (35.95), tying for second on the floor (9.55) and beam (9.25).
“She's gaining confidence at each meet,” said Elk Grove coach Heather DeCook, “She's a solid gymnast and she just has to keep working her routines.”
“The floor was a surprise tonight,” added Rafferty, “I'm getting more comfortable at each meet.”