Naperville North's Sumser adds to state events
A state qualifier on vault as a freshman last winter, Naperville North's Kelsey Sumser was hungry to earn the opportunity to enjoy that experience again this season, but she wanted even more than that.
She got it.
"Since I went to state last year on vault, I didn't have any specific goals for any events other than I wanted to make it to state on more than just vault," she said. "So I went into club refining my skills and all my routines and just stayed confident. I knew everything would come to fruition from the hard work in the off-season."
Did it ever.
Sumser tied for third place with Hinsdale Central's Caroline Klobach on vault, took fourth on bars and was fourth overall in all-around to advance to state in the aforementioned events.
"I think I improved almost a point from the regional (35.25)," she said. "This meet was more pressure-filled competition and I really rose to the occasion and did my best."
Neuqua Valley sophomore Jane Riehs also had a terrific sectional, winning vault and beam while taking third place in the all-around. Her senior teammate Olivia Nelson will join her at state after she took third on beam.
Downers Grove South was most competitive against the champion Lincoln-Way co-op squad, which finished with 141.85 points to the runner-up Mustangs' 138.175.
The Mustangs only trailed Lincoln-Way co-op by 0.775 through three rotations of the sectional but were finishing on bars while the co-op's last event was vault, where collectively the six teams scored the highest during the sectional. Lincoln-Way proceeded to post a 36.675 on vault, the highest score in any event and will advance to state for the third straight season.
Abby Carlson led the way for the Mustangs, earning the sectional title on bars and floor exercise. She also tied Waubonsie/Metea Valley co-op's Thalia Bowen for fifth on vault. Carlson also was second in the all-around.
Andrea Davenport also qualified for the Mustangs by capturing fourth place on floor.
Downers Grove North's Brooke Stocki earned a berth to Palatine after taking third place on bars. The senior was one of seven gymnasts representing the Trojans in the individual and team competition. Stocki finished 10th in the all-around and Bowers was 15th.
The Trojans finished in third place with 137.55 points, Neuqua Valley had 134.9 and Waubonsie/Metea Valley scored a 129.625.
Naperville Central's Lexi Swanson wrapped up her senior season for the Redhawks by scoring a 32.825, highlighted by an 8.925 on beam.