Masco wins state gymnastics title
Finishing second in the state didn’t sit well with the Masconomet Regional gymnastics team. So they made absolutely sure it won’t happen this time around.
The Chieftains captured their fourth in six years MIAA crown Saturday afternoon at Algonquin Regional, posting a score of 149.05 to top the eight-team championship field.
Seeded second heading into the finals behind defending state champion Central Catholic, Masconomet took the lead after one rotation, opened it up to more than a full point after two, and raced to the title from there. In doing so, they bested second place Newton North (147.05) and third place finisher Mansfield (146.4).
The Danvers/Lynnfield co-op team, whose only setback during the dual meet season came to their Northeastern Conference rivals from Masconomet, placed fourth overall with a fine showing of 146.325.
En route to the state crown, Masconomet had the top teams scores on both bars and floor exercises while claiming second on the balance beam (37.550) and vault.
Beam is where the Chieftains really shone, with Sarah Aldrich (9.675), Ava Nolan (9.575) and Fallon Eberhardt (9.450) all posting excellent scores to allow their team to take a comfortable lead midway through the meet.
On the ensuing floor routine, Kate Mugge, Nolan and Aldrich all scored 9.350 or better, and Janey Young’s 9.650 score helped bring another brass ring home to the Tri-Town area.
Aldrich took third in the All-Around competition while Mugge was fifth.
Other members of the Chieftains’ gymnastics titlists included Merideth Brandt, Luchia Bevilacqua, Carly O’Heir, Natalia Cafarelli, and Veronica Bloxam.
For Danvers/Lynnfield, Kaylee Westcott had another spectacular showing by finishing second in the All-Around. Among her individual highlights were a 9.7 on vault and 9.55 on floor exercises.
Senior captain Camryn Donovan also shone under the bright lights for the Falcons, placing fourth in the All-Around. As a team, Danvers scored 36.750 on vault and 36.525 on beam.
“Kaylee had another great meet and has been consistent for us all year,” said Danvers head coach Jen Habeeb. “We know we can always count on her to bring in big scores. “Camryn had her best meet of the season (Saturday) and also brought in some big scores for us. She’s been steady for us throughout the whole season.
“Overall we’re extremely happy and proud of the whole team and how they did. (Captain) Maddie Wescott and Camryn Donovan are the two seniors who will be missed next season.”
