Jensen, Fremd take MSL title by force
Christine Jensen has been a force for Fremd this season, and the senior standout sustained that status at the Mid-Suburban League meet Friday.
Jensen was solid from start to finish in winning the all-around title (37.95) and leading Fremd to its third consecutive conference title with 147.85 points at Hoffman Estates.
Jensen started the night by tying for fourth on the vault (9.4). She extended her momentum by taking first on the bars (9.45), adding a second-place finish on beam (9.6) and capped her sensational night by taking first on the floor (9.5).
“She had plenty of doubts her first three seasons,” said Fremd coach Elise Ference of her star senior. “But this year she realized her potential and has become a great leader.”
Barrington scored a season high 144.975 points in taking second followed by Prospect (144.05), Schaumburg (140.425), and Conant (140.05).
Jensen showed flashes of her talent in her first three years but has put it all together in leading a deep Vikings squad this season.
“It definitely was special,” said Jensen of her performance. “It has been about the team all season, and that is what has motivated me.”
And the Vikings fed off Jensen’s performance, especially sophomore Maggie Betti. She took fifth in the all-around (36.80), added a third-place finish on bars (9.4) and tied for fourth on beam (9.15).
“She has been awesome and it has been great to have someone we can look up to,” said Betti of Jensen leadership. “Today was a great step forward and we just have to keep working.”
Sophomore Carly DeFilippo took third on the vault (9.45) and junior Chrissy Radochonski tied for fourth on vault (9.4). Junior Sydney Plichta took fifth on the bars (9.3), with junior Emily Neal adding a third-place finish on beam (9.5) as the Vikings flashed its talent and depth in capturing the title.
“We have a leader, but it’s not a one man show,” said Ference of the Vikings performance. “It gives us a big boost in confidence, but it’s also an eye opener on what we need to work on. It’s a good start to the state series and they realize where there potential lies.”
Barrington is also starting to realize its potential, and the Fillies came through big on Friday. Sophomore Abby Hasanov took second in the all-around (37.275) to lead the Fillies; she was first on vault (9.6) and tied for fifth on beam (9.35).
“We realize we have the potential to make it to state and we’re not backing down,” said Hasanov. “I feel more prepared this season and using the experience from last season.”
The return of junior Jessica Lee has also given Barrington a lift, and the junior came through on Friday, tying for fifth on the balance beam (9.35). Freshman Rachel Timperman helped out by tying for fourth on the floor (9.2) for the Fillies.
“It’s good score tonight, but we’re looking for more,” said Barrington coach Jason Loeffler of the Fillies potential. “Tonight is getting us prepared for the state series.”
Prospect got off to a slow start on the vault and bars but came charging back on beam and floor. Junior Maddie Larock led the way, taking second on floor (9.4) and adding a fourth-place finish on beam (9.4).
“After a shaky start I am happy with how we finished,” said Larock who finished third in the all-around (37.15). “Vault and bars didn’t go real well for us, but we were able to come back strong.”
Elk Grove senior Amelia Rafferty missed the first part of the season due to a left hand injury, but she showed on Friday that she will be a force in the state series.
Rafferty took fourth in the all-around (36.95); adding a second place finish on vault (9.5) and a fourth place finish on bars (9.35).
“I think I’m coming back better than I expected,” said Rafferty who missed all of December with her hand injury. “I almost back to where I was.”
Rolling Meadow sophomore Kelly Johnston started slow on Friday, but the Mustang sophomore finished with a bang.
Johnston ended her night by taking second on the bars (9.425) and then capped her performance with a first place finish on beam (9.65).
“I knew I had to suck it up in my final two events,” said Johnston who finished sixth in the all-around (36.475). “Beam has been a strong event and I am gaining a lot of confidence. I knew finishing on the beam would be a strong event.”
Wheeling sophomore Meghan Aguayo missed last season with a knee injury, the Wildcat sophomore came up big on Friday taking third on the floor (9.34).
“I am having a lot of fun being back and it felt good to hit tonight,” said Aguayo of her performance.
Freshman Myriam Brito finished seventh in the all-around (35.55) leading Schaumburg to fourth place.
Junior Bridget Shanahan tied for fourth on the floor (9.2) propelling Conant to a fifth-place finish.