Johnson gives Hersey a big lift
It has been a waiting game for Hersey and coach Jacqueline Parat so far this season.
The Huskies have dealt with an assortment of injuries, but they offered a glimpse of their potential on Tuesday night.
Freshman Annie Johnson took first in the all-around (35.10), helping Hersey secure first with a season-best 132.05 points at the Mid-Suburban League East triangular at Rolling Meadows.
Junior Lauren Cerza took second in the all-around (33.65) to lead host Rolling Meadows (128.45) to second, with Buffalo Grove (115.10) taking third.
Hersey senior Haley Scott has been limited to two events due to a sprained ankle, and the Huskies are also missing freshman Hannah Bovino, who is out with a fractured hand.
But Johnson lifted the Huskies by taking first on the floor (9.1), bars (9.1), and vault (9.2) in a solid overall performance.
“She's added a lot to this team,” said Parat. “And it's just not her skills, it's her overall personality. She's able to pick up the team.”
The freshman's only blemish was on beam, where she a had pair of falls.
“I don't really get nervous,” added Johnson, “I'm just trying to stay positive.”
Senior Katie Dewar is easing back into competition after qualifying for state in diving. Dewar added a third on the floor (9.0) and beam (8.10) for the Huskies.
“We're getting better, we're just looking for more consistency,” said Dewar, who was a state qualifier on the beam her sophomore year. “I'm much more confident this season and that is helping out.”
Scott tied for first on the beam (8.15) and added a third-place finish on the bars (8.2) for the Huskies.
Cerza and senior Emily Anderson led Rolling Meadows. Cerza took second on the bars (8.3), with Anderson tying for first on the beam (8.15) and adding a second on the vault (8.9).
“We're still working on a lot of skills, and once we put them in our score should go up,” added Cerza who also tied for third on the vault (8.7).
Senior Becky Smith added a second place finish for the Mustangs on the floor (9.05).
“We have a lot of potential, it's just a matter of hitting at the same time,” said Emily Anderson of an experienced Mustang squad. “Right now we're a little scattered but we're putting it together.”
A young Buffalo Grove team continues to make improvement, freshman Erika Ray led the Bison on Tuesday by tying for third on the vault (8.7).
Juniors Stefani Arapidis and Valerie Valek also contributed for the Bison.
“We're beginning to get a bit healthier,” said BG coach Stephanie Schrader. “It's just a matter of adding some more skills to the routines.”