Take it from Mom.

She knows best, right?

"Participating in this cheer-off is a great way for the girls to end a terrific season," said Jennifer Gaynor, mother of Marist High School sophomore cheerleader Kristen Gaynor.

Kristen and the rest of the RedHawks will be showcased from 5 to 7 a.m. Thursday in the ABC7 Cheerleder Cheer-off event. Viewers are encouraged to watch the performances and vote for their favorites.

The competition began with a performance by the cheerleading squad from Conant on Tuesday. Chicago Kenwood Academy was featured on ABC7 on Wednesday.

Marist competes Thursday and the week is capped by Sandburg's routine on Friday.

"The endless hours of practice and dedication earned them third place in the IHSA state cheerleading finals," Jennifer Gaynor said of the RedHawks. "On the road to the state finals, the girls not only were sectional champions, but scored the highest in all of the Illinois sectionals.

"We are extremely proud of the girls."

Marist Cheerleading Roster

Orland Park: Seniors—Lauren Amendola, Sarah Flosi, Mary Callagahn, Kristina Segrado; sophomore—MaryKate Davidson; freshman—Emma Flosi, Emily Erickson, Rachel Davidson.

Palos Heights: Sophomore—Kaila Case.

Homer Glen: Sophomores—Alaina Bergamini, Laura Murphy.

Chicago: Seniors—Nicole Henderson, Rachel Henderson, Nora Morgan; Sophomore—Paige Ziemba.

Alsip: Senior—Carly Mannix; junior—Emma Sintich.

Bridgeview: Senior—Katie Labine.

Oak Lawn: Juniors—Annie Zielinski, Rachel Morris; sophomore—Kristen Gaynor.

Worth: Junior—Brenna O'Connor.