Girls swimming: Previewing the Stevenson, Downers North sectionals
The IHSA girls swimming sectionals on Saturday allow for advancement into the state meet either by winning an event or by posting times within the IHSA standards. Divers will also compete for state spots by either claiming first at their sectional or placing within the top 32 across the state.
The Mid-Suburban League teams will be attending the Stevenson and Downers Grove North sectionals for a chance to make relays and send individuals to compete at the state meet next weekend at Evanston.
Diving will begin at 9 a.m. and swimming at 1p.m. at both locations.
At the Stevenson sectional, Barrington will once again be facing off against the other top MSL teams for top spots to advance swimmers into the state meet.
Along with their MSL competitors, Barrington will have Stevenson as added competition in what should be a very fast sectional meet.
The Fillies had the depth and talent to once again claim the title of MSL champions and are gearing up for a successful sectional meet to set the tone for the rest of their championship season.
Leading the way in the freestyle will be Barrington's Allison Penrod, Alyssa Schwengel, Adelaide Reader, Maggie Graves, and Ellie Graves, while Sophia Kuehn and Lilian Reader would handle the individual medley and stroke events.
The Fillies claimed every relay victory at the MSL meet and are very likely to send all three of their relay teams to state this year, further highlighting the talent and depth of this Barrington team.
Having placed 10th at state last year the Fillies aim to place higher into the Top Ten, a team goal that is certainly achievable with this year's impressive depth.
Going head-to- head with the Fillies will be North Suburban League champions Stevenson. After impressive performances by Ashley Carollo, Claudia Rzeznik, Abigail Li, Jennifer Xiong, Jessica Nyborg, Maddy O'Donnell, Lucy Stevens, and Elizabeth Cao, the Patriots will certainly be in the running for top spots and state cuts.
Having placed 15th at last year's state meet, the Patriots certainly have the grit and talent to replicate and even exceed another high placing at this year's state event.
Another standout team from this year's MSL conference meet was Hersey. The Huskies are a young team and have many key swimmers who will be integral to the success of this sectional meet and beyond.
Freshman Mollie Lumsden made a huge splash at her conference debut, claiming some individual event victories and contributing to the success of Huskie relays.
Teammates Bianca Teves and Shannon Blumenfeld will also aid the Huskie relays in securing top spots as well as a chance to place high in their individual events, allowing for a promising sectional and eventual state meet for Hersey this year.
Fremd has shown some impressive relay and individual performances throughout its season and should be expected to place well, possibly securing spots at the state meets in both relay and individual events.
Key to the Vikings' success will be Lauren Savage, Sophia Keuhn, Elizabeth Serino, Megan Helsdingen, Sarah Rothmeyer, and Kristina Buzuloi.
Buffalo Grove senior Emily Schulstad will lead the Bison, once again having the potential to steal some top spots in the distance events.
Despite no clear state candidates, the teams from Prospect, Rolling Meadows, Palatine, Wheeling, Hoffman Estates, and St. Viator have the potential to post some impressive times and sneak into those top cuts and earn lifetime bests.
The Downers Grove North sectional will be a chance for MSL teams Schaumburg, Conant, and Elk Grove to send some swimmers to state.
Leading the way for Schaumberg will be sisters Hannah and Nina Mollin, who may snag some top spots and head to the state meet.
Conant's Megaumi Komoto and Elk Grove sophomore Natalie Wlodarz had standout performances at the MSL meet this year and will certainly be swimmers to watch over this sectional weekend.