Pinkerton Academy’s defending state champion girls’ gymnastics squad began its 2015-16 campaign in strong fashion, finishing first out of five teams in its opening home meet in Derry this past Monday, Dec. 28.
Despite putting forth a somewhat flawed overall performance, the state champs ended up with a score of 132.2 to finish first well ahead of Goffstown (111), Bedford (108), Souhegan of Amherst, and Hollis-Brookline in that order.
Leading the way for the locals were junior Julianna Corsetto and freshman Ashlee Loeffler, who each won two events.
Loeffler won the vault competition with her score of 8.5 and the balance beam competition with an 8.7.
Standout Corsetto won on the uneven bars (8.35) and in the floor exercise (9.0).
Another big standout for PA was freshman Emily Connors, who snared second place on vault (8.4) and third on floor (8.9). Connors performed a new vault routine for the first time in her gymnastics career.
Corsetto ended up taking second place in the all-around with a score of 33.25, just barely behind victorious individual competitor Tori Sipes of the Derryfield School and her winning score of 33.35.
“Despite many misses throughout the competition, we were able to hold onto the lead,” said PA coach Chelsie Burland. “It comes down to more numbers in the gym and the girls becoming consistent and confident with their jam-packed routines. We have a lot of young talent and promise this season, and plan to peak as the state meet approaches.”
The Lady Astros will be at Londonderry on Jan. 15.
