The Londonderry High girls’ gymnastics team had its home meet against the D I defending champion Pinkerton Academy squad slated for Saturday, Jan. 16 circled prominently on its calendar, looking at that event as a potential barometer reading to see just where the Lady Lancers stand in the state picture this winter.
The LHS crew had a very good meet, tallying an excellent team score of 131.8 to finish second – behind Pinkerton and its superb overall score of 135.75 – in the four-team event. Spaulding of Rochester ended up a distant third (101) and the Dover High Green Wave finished fourth (100).
“Overall, our girls did amazing,” said LHS coach Heather Tuden. “Pinkerton is a very hard team to beat, and after three rotations we were only one point behind. It all came down to who stuck beam, and Pinkerton had it that night. Each meet we have been improving our skills, and our girls are feeling more comfortable with their routines. In the end, it all comes down to states.”
Along with the victory, Pinkerton also snagged a point in Ball Family Trophy competition between PA and LHS.
This was the first meet of the season that the LHS squad didn’t win.
The Lady Lancers received a first-place performance from veteran standout Jill McIntyre in the vaulting (score of 9.3), but the Pinkerton effort was spearheaded by junior Julianna Corsetto, who took firsts on the uneven bars (8.2), balance beam (9.3), and in the all-around (35.2).
Other notables on the vault for LHS were Maddie Croteau, who collected a score of 9.1 out of a possible 9.6, and Maddie Baumann with an 8.9.
The high scorers on bars for the home squad included McIntyre with a 7.8, Baumann with a 7.7, and Mira Kutney with a tally of 7.1.
The top three Lancers on the beam were Kutney with her 8.85 giving her third overall in the event, Courtney Baharian with an 8.45, and Baumann with an 8.2.
The Londonderry High gymnastics contingent’s next home meet will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 26 at 7 p.m.