Girls Gymnastics: Hassler leads Naperville Central gymnasts

Updated: February 3, 2012 11:36PM

The number seven is considered by many to be sacred and lucky. For the Lyons girls gymnastics team, it answers the question, “How many regional championships have the Lions won in a row?”

Playing host on Friday evening in the final regional of the Hinsdale Central sectional complex, Lyons won with 144.350 points. Naperville Central couldn’t catch up to the Lions but their total of 138.075 points was enough to qualify as an at-large team. Naperville North placed third with 132.8 points.

“As a head coach I still see a lot of room for improvement,” Lyons coach Kari Karubas said. “However, I can’t help but be very pleased with what I saw tonight. They’re coming together and fighting for the tenths and little details, but of course, I’m unsatisfied. I’d like perfection.”

Lyons freshman Kelsy Kurfirst was about as close to perfect anyone could get, as she won all four events, posting a 9.375 on beam, a pair of 9.5s on bars and floor and a 9.725 on vault to give her a total of 38.1.

“It was a great day,” she said. “We started out with a great foundation early and then we all hit the rest of our routines and did what we had to do.”

Senior Allison Stuck added a 9.175 on vault, Kalen Iffert had a 9.05 on floor, Kelly Ryser posted an 8.675 on bars and Maren Craig took second in the all-around with a 36.25 for the winners.

“We worked so hard to get here today, and to be in our home gym, it’s a great feeling,” Craig said. “We knew we had to stick and just focused on our routines.”

Naperville Central’s team advanced to sectional play for the first time in five years.

Logan Hassler led the Redhawks, placing third on bars with an 8.675 as well as beam with an 8.925.

Naperville North freshman Michaela Roberts placed third in the all-around with a 36.125, placing second on floor and bars.

Individual gymnasts from four schools also competed, including Mother McAuley freshman Allison Broad who advanced on vault and the all-around, and Nazareth Academy sophomore Lauren Ryczek who secured the fifth and final all-around qualifying spot and also tied for fifth on beam with an 8.7.

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