Girls gymnastics: Hickey wins three events; Barbs second at meet

DeKALB – For the second time in three days, Madison Hickey won an all-around title.

The senior on the DeKalb-Sycamore gymnastics team won the home DHS Invite on Friday, taking first in three of the four events after winning Wednesday at Glenbard East.

The Barbs were second in the eight-team meet after winning Wednesday. Prairie Ridge won Friday with a 141.7, ahead of the Barbs’ 140.975.

“We were a little rough in places, and I thought we looked a lot better on Wednesday,” coach Andy Morreale said. “I don’t know if because it was back-to-back, they were a little rusty or tired. But overall there was some stuff that was much better.

“We still went over 140, which is really good this early in the season.”

Hickey won the vault (9.675), bars (9.375) and floor (9.45) on her way to a 37.75 in the all-around. She was second on the beam (9.25)

“I thought I did a great job,” Hickey said. “I felt great on all four events. I’m super proud of my team and how we did.”

Madeline Kees was third in the all-around, finishing with a 36.1 overall which included a 9.425 on the floor.

It was the second varsity meet for the freshman.

“She just looks nervous as a freshman – typical,” Morreale said. “Even though she’s been a junior Olympian, when you do it for the team it’s just different. I think she’ll settle in. She was real nervous.”

By the numbers: Sammi Keating was sixth in the all-around with a 33.65, peaking with a fifth-place finish in the floor (9.125) for DeKalb.

Lily Lucas took fourth on the vault for the Barbs with a 9.15.

Gracie Willis of Prairie Ridge was second in the all-around with a 36.95.

DeKalb finished almost 20 points ahead of third-place Oswego (129.25) in the team standings.

Beyond the stats: While the Barbs’ team score went down from Wednesday’s, Hickey’s was higher.

They said it: “She went even higher this meet,” Morreale said. “She’s been solid. It’s what a senior should do.”

Up next: The Barbs head to Oswego on Wednesday.