The Pinkerton Academy winter spirit squad defeated both some serious adversity and nine other teams in winning the New England championship at Lawrence (Mass.) High School last Saturday, March 19.
Members of the PA contingent battled illnesses throughout the week leading up to the title competition, that brought skilled squads from the Granite State, Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts, and Connecticut together.
“We put up a great routine to earn first place with a score of 204.6, holding off second-place Marshfield (Mass.) and third-place Methuen (Mass.),” said coach Michelle McCarty. “We were 12 points ahead of the other teams at the final tally.”
A crew of Pinkerton’s battle-tested veterans led the Lady Astros’ charge to the title victory.
“I was impressed with the fight from my athletes and especially the leadership from the senior leaders Emily Dellisola, Meghan DeCosmo, Taylor Sullivan, Valerie Quigley, Katiya Troutman, and Maddy Garnick,” said the PA mentor. “The superior six led the team correctly by example and put forth a really strong front line for us.”
Freshman flyers Kaycie Rizzo and Kristen Bukunt drew praise from McCarty for looking like seasoned veterans in the air space and managing their adrenaline to hit the hardest stunt sequences performed by anyone in New England at the big event.
The regional championship event marked the last competition of the season for the Pinkerton crew. The locals went undefeated all season, breaking 100 points at each competition.
Caption: The PA spirit squad capped off its superb winter season with a New England championship recently.
