Oak Park and River Forest High School junior Maisie Hoerster enjoyed a triumphant gymnastics return and sophomore Zoe Schwartz enjoyed a strong debut Monday.
The Huskies competed as individuals at the Hinsdale Central Sectional after their qualifying performances at the Lincoln-Way East Regional Feb. 3.
Hoerster competed at 2023 sectionals with the team but missed all of last season with a partially torn posterior cruciate knee ligament.
“The whole year has been so nice, getting back into gymnastics,” Hoerster said. “It’s been a growing year, definitely.”
Hoerster was 28th on vault (8.625), tied for 30th on floor exercise (8.45) and was 31st in all-around (32.05).
“I think floor was good, solid landings,” Hoerster said. “I felt great. Definitely scores are tighter and tougher so I’m glad with the way I scored.”
In her first season of high school gymnastics, Schwartz tied for 22nd on the uneven parallel bars (8.175) and was 28th in all-around (32.475). She especially was pleased with her 8.25 on balance beam.
“It was really exciting. I didn’t think I was going to (qualify). I enjoyed being here,” Schwartz said.
“Club was very individual. I didn’t know what to expect going into it and this season has been really fun,” she said.
The Huskies were third at regionals (129.725) with their second-best score after a season-high 132.225 at the West Suburban Conference Silver Division Meet Feb. 1 to finish fifth and fifth overall.
“I think they did a great job (at sectionals),” OPRF coach Kris Wright said.
“This is Zoe’s first year of high school (gymnastics). Now she knows what to expect. Maisie’s a three-sport athlete so I’m really impressed with what she can do.”