Girls gymnastics: Marquis' career-best score lifts Barrington over Palatine

There has been no sophomore slump for Barrington gymnast Eleanora Marquis.

Like a diamond, Marquis has shined brightly this year, and she came away with a career-best 36.90 Thursday at Palatine.

"I usually don't do all-around," Marquis said. "But this year I have and it is awesome. I'm excited. I was not a strong vaulter, but over the summer, I tried to work on it."

Marquis said that after competing on the varsity last year as a freshman, she was ready for the challenge this season.

"Freshman year it was always like nerve-racking," Marquis said. "But I feel that this year I have been able to calm my nerves and everything will go the way it needs to."

Marquis' performance led the way as Barrington topped Palatine 144.85 to 143.10.

"It was a huge improvement over last week," Barrington coach Jason Loeffler said. "They came out and killed it today. This is a talented group. Once they pick up steam, even though it is a short season, they will be even better."

While vault may not be Marquis' strong event, the floor is. Marquis won the event with a season-best 9.60.

"I love it," Marquis said. "It was a good floor day for all of us."

The entire Barrington squad hit their routines solidly. The Fillies scored a season-high on the floor with a 37.75, taking the top four places on the event. Along with Marquis, Brooke Husby (9.50), Sofia Rosenzweig (9.35) and Jade Moranetz (9.30), all looked terrific.

"Our floor was huge tonight," Loeffler said. "They were real comfortable out there. It is a showy team on floor. They are confident."

Barrington remained unbeaten at 3-0 in the shortened season. The win for the Fillies sets up a showdown on March 9 for the regular season Mid-Suburban West title with Conant, which is also 3-0.

Moranetz was third in the all-around with a 36.30. The senior tied Marquis and Palatine's Josie Waddington on the bars with a 9.00.

"I was pretty nervous at first," Moranetz said. "I then realized that this season is all about having fun and going out there and being confident."

Palatine's score was the Pirates' top score of the season. They look to continue their climb in their final two remaining meets before the MSL meet at Wheeling on March 13.

"We are getting better," Palatine coach Terry Theobald said. "We are adding some new things. So we are going the right way."

Waddington led Palatine with a solid 36.80 in the all-around. Samantha Mogensen won the beam for the Pirates with a 9.40 while Alyssa Eckels had a 9.30 in the event.