DOWNERS GROVE RITTER CHAMPIONS

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Palatine can really bank on its throwers this year and the Pirates cashed in on Friday night at Downers Grove North.

Senior Martha Shepard (42-21/2) and senior Lauren Orris (36-21/4) went first and third in the shot put, and senior Katie MacFabe (128-4) and Orris (127-1) went 1-2 in the discus lifting Palatine to its second consecutive Ritter Track and Field Invite title with 108.5 points.

West Aurora flashed its speed in winning the 400 relay (49.7) and 800 relay (1:46.) in taking second with 101.3 points.

Lyons Township (77.3) nipped Prospect (71 points) for third, with Glenbard West (68 points), host Downers Grove North (60 points), and York (59 points) in hot pursuit.

Shepard finished fifth in Class AA last season in the shot, and Orris took home a seventh-place medal in the discus. MacFabe was a state qualifier in both the shot and discus.

On Friday night the trio showed they are ready for a return trip.

"I think we all come in with a lot of confidence," said MacFabe of the powerful trio. "I think our hardest competition is each other, we make each other better."

Palatine also did it on the track with junior Ruth Allen blazing to a first-place finish in the 800 (2:15.8).

Downers Grove North sophomore Gabrielle Effrain (2:16.4) was nipping at Allen's heels for most of the race and challenged for the lead with 100 meters remaining. But Allen showed a burst in the final 50 meters to secure the victory.

"Coach (Steve Currins) reminded me to keep my arms straight and my eyes focused for the finish," said Allen of her winning drive.

Sophomore Sarah McIntosh added a victory in the 1,600 (5:14.7); freshman Laura Schweikert opened a few eyes by taking second in the 100 (12.3).

Palatine also took third in the 400 relay (50.2), 800 relay (1:46.5), 1,600 relay (4:06.8), and 3,200 relay (9:40.3).

"The kids came out ready to compete today," said Currins. "They dug down and went after it."