Girls Gymnastics: Lauren Feely-led Carmel sets unofficial state record

Updated: January 7, 2012 11:22PM

When is a state record not a state record?

Carmel answered that question Saturday when it scored a 153.725 to win the Lake Forest Inviational. It was the highest score ever recorded in the state, but not considered an actual record since it was not at the state meet.

Prairie Ridge was second with a 146.225 and Lake Forest was third with a 145.10.

With a just over a month to go before the state finals, Carmel appears to be unstoppable. Carmel was impressive with their vault again, scoring a 39.30 on the event. The Corsairs had a 38.45 on the floor, a 38.025 on the beam and a 37.925.

“And we even counted a fall,” said Carmel's Sarah Doyle. “I am amazed that they are so good. We have been waiting for this.''

Doyle said that her team showed how dedicated they are by the work they did over the Christmas break.

“Nobody went anywhere over break,” Doyle said. “They were there five days a week working out. That’s the kind of team we have.”

Prairie Ridge coach Lee Battaglia, whose team was ranked No. 2 at the start of the season was impressed by Carmel’s performance.

“They are in a league of their own,” Bataglia said. “We did well tonight, but not that good.”

Carmel’s Lauren Feely won the all-around with a 39.025. She also won all four individual events. Feely nailed her Yurchenko-layout full with a 9.90. She also won the bars with a 9.65, the beam with a 9.675 and the floor with a 9.80.

“It was the second meet in a row I hit my vault,” Feely said. “We all have been working so hard. That’s why we are doing well.”

Carmel’s Kristin Mirski and Prairie Ridge’s Riley Mahoney tied for second in the all-around with a 38.15. Carmel’s Jen Zeller was fourth with a 38.10 and Lyons’ Kelsy Kurfirst and Lake Forest’s Katherine McKeon tied for fifth 37.475.

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