By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
HORNET FRESHMAN Rachel Hill performs in the floor exercise at the MIAA state gymnastics tournament in Northborough. (John Friberg Photo)
NORTH READING — Last Saturday, the North Reading- Danvers co-op gymnastics team participated in the MIAA state finals at Algonquin Regional High School. Of the eight schools there, the Falcons came in eighth with a total score of 136.975. Barnstable won the event at 147.350.
Despite coming in eighth, head coach Jody Bulger was proud of her squad.
“The girls did a great job and I am so proud of them for qualifying for the state championship,” stated Bulger.
Jackie Veatch (Danvers) came in 13th place in the All-Around with a total score of 34.375. Right behind her in 14th was Julia Valenti (North Reading) at 34.35.
In the parallel bars, North Reading’s Alyson Kelleher had the best Falcon finish with a 8.775 to place 16th. Valenti was 17th at 8.75.
On the balance beam, freshman Rachel Hill, of North Reading, was tied for tenth at 9.1 while Veatch was 16th at 8.775.
In the floor exercise, Valenti was tied for 15thth at 8.75 and Hill was 19th at 8.55.
In the vault, Veatch and Valenti tied for 14th with a score of 9.0.
“Alyson had strong performances on bars beam and floor,” said Bulger.
Danvers resident Emily McPherson was 28th on the bars (8.45) and tied for 33rd in the vault (8.15).
“Emily had a great bar routine and came through for her team on vault which is an event she normally does not compete,” pointed out Bulger.
In the regular season, North Reading-Danvers went 7-1 this season as they came in second place in the league behind 8-0 Beverly for the second year in a row. They then came in second place to Andover in the North Sectionals on Feb. 21.
