In only its third meet of the year, the Marblehead High co-op gymnastics team (1-2) was able to attain 130.95 points, something that it could not accomplish in any single contest last season.
Despite eclipsing that total so early on in the season, coach Samantha Klipper’s team still came up short against host Beverly at the Sterling YMCA, 138.7-130.95 on Jan. 15.
“We had stellar performances from all of our all-around gymnasts in this meet,” said Klipper afterwards.
After the meet against the Panthers, Klipper singled out Swampscott sophomore Bridget Maloney and Marblehead freshman Stella McLaughlin for personal highs. Maloney, in particular, was credited with new bests on vault (8.6), floor exercises (7.85) and bars (8.05).
Marblehead junior Susanna Cuzner achieved two personal highs on bars (7.75) and floor exercises (7.8). Swampscott sophomore Grace Morrison had a personal best on bars, while Marblehead sophomore Ava Hartley did the same on the floor exercises with a 7.1.
But it was Marblehead freshman Izzie Gonzalez, who brought home the highest score from the Beverly meet, coming through with an 8.4 on the balance beam.
“We had athletes compete in new events, while their teammates came through with scores that helped contribute to our outstanding team score of 130.95 in this meet,” said Klipper. “Gabby Berman and Dounia Peters-Abbadi, both of Marblehead, in particular, turned in solid performances that helped us reach that total.”
The coach added that Marblehead junior Alyssa Sapozhnik “gave another beautiful performance on beam, as she continued to display poise and grace (of an experienced gymnast).”
Marblehead junior Arianna Leahy had top performances on the bars, beam and vault, scoring at least an 8.0 in each event.
“Overall, the team has done an amazing job so far this year. They have been able to increase their scores each week,” said Klipper.
These Magicians have since returned home to the Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA Gymnastics Center for a meet against Salem on Thursday, Jan. 22, starting at 7:30 p.m.
