The 2017-18 Londonderry High girls’ gymnastics squad is, unquestionably, an extremely strong entity. And coach Heather Lennon, her assistants, and their charges are fully intent on maxing out their promise this season.
The Lancers exhibited that once again by powering their way to yet another team success at home on Wednesday, Jan. 10, tallying a team score of 131.15 to easily outdistance Pelham (113.15), Milford (94.5), Alvirne (60.1), and Exeter (37.7).
The hosts snagged the top three spots in every event and the two highest in the all-around. Maddie Croteau proved unbeatable on vault (score of 9.0), in the floor exercise (8.35), and in the all-around (32.95). She also snared a second on the balance beam (8.5).
Other wins were tallied by Seana Kelly on the uneven bars (8.8) and Mira Kutney on the beam (8.8).
Other seconds were delivered by Ashley Griffin on vault (8.7) and in the all-around (31.75), Kutney on bars (8.5), and Sophie Hagymas on floor (8.0).
Third places came from Kutney and Kelly on vault (tied at 8.2), Griffin on bars (8.4), and Griffin and Marissa McKay on floor (tied at 7.85).
“It was nice being back home, especially with all our equipment back together,” said Lennon. “We had all of our girls hit bars, which is the first time this season. Every meet we find out where we need improvement and work hard to fix it. In this meet we saw a great improvement in our bars.”
The Lancers then found themselves back on the road this past Monday evening competing at A2 Gymnastics in Salem.
The LHS squad also walked away from that event having been the powerhouse once again, tallying a team score of 133.2 to win handily and leave coach Lennon wearing a wide grin.
The locals bagged at least the top two spots in every event including the all-around and showed their mentors that they are continuing to develop beautifully as the regular season rolls forth.
“This is the best we have done all season,” said coach Lennon. “We had very hard judging on bars, but the judge was consistent throughout the meet and our girls? still took the top three spots. Our true test this season will be on Monday the 22nd at 7 p.m. at home when we take on Pinkerton in the Ball Trophy meet.”
Pelham finished second to the LHS crew in the Monday meet but was more than 16 points behind in the team scoring with a 116.95. Goffstown (113.4) and Windham (111.45) also competed.
Kutney was a standout once again for the victorious Lady Lancers, snagging first places on beam (9.0), floor (9.15) and in the all-around (33.7), with Croteau proving unbeatable on the vault (8.8) and Kelly ruling the roost on the bars (8.15).
Second places were delivered by Griffin on vault (8.35), Kutney on bars (8.05), Courtney Baharian on beam (8.9), and Croteau both on floor (8.9) and in the all-around (33.2).
Thirds came from Griffin on bars (7.2), Croteau on beam (8.5), and Gianna DelViscovo on floor (8.85).