get past Hearthome Gym? (Pokemon Platinum)?

[ERICA]

So...this is actually my second time playing Platinum. The first time, I didn't finish the game but (for some reason) decided to restart the experience. The first time, I think I got past the Hearthome Gym pretty quickly--I don't remember how...but I did.

Now though, I've battled and lost to Fantina at least 10 times. I think it might have to do with the fact that last time, I had much stronger and useful Pokemon. My current team includes:

Monferno lvl31
Ponyta lvl23
Machop lvl19
Staravia lvl14
Shellos lvl15
Togepi lvl14

None of my Pokemon know bite, which apparently is very useful against Fantina's Pokemon. My strategy's been bulking up on super potions and sending Ponyta out first with about 2 flame wheels to finish off her Duskull. Then I *try* to do the same against her Haunter, but Ponyta always gets knocked out then. So I replace him with my Monferno, who finishes off Haunter, and gets finished off by her Mismagius (though not without inflicting some damage--at least half of Mismagius's HP)

I've battled as many trainers as I could find, even going all the way back to Eterna Forest. but I only managed to get my Monferno from 29 to 31...

I need some huge help. In fact, any help would be appreciated!

 

[Kelly]

Well... I have Pokemon Platinum and i beat the game so i can give you some advice. To beet Fantina, you should have some strong Dark or Psychic types to beet her cause sometimes,Dark or Psychic type moves can cause critical hits on Ghost types. And to get you Monferno to level 36 to evolve you should battle pokemon types that fire types beet and pokemon types that beet fire types. For example: Water or Ground. I have Infernape,Epoleon and Torterra so i know all their weaknesses and types they beat. I hope i helped you.

P.S I also sugest you level up your staravia to level 17 so it will evolve into staraptor. they are really powerful when you level them up to level 30!