NORTH READING MEMBERS of the co–op gymnastics team with Danvers are, from left: Rachel Hill, Ariana Romeo, Alyson Kelleher, Alexa Galuppo, Emily Roesch, Julia Valenti, and Erika Beherrell. (John Friberg Photo)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING – It was a battle of the unbeatens last Saturday night as they North-Reading- Danvers co-op gymnastics team hosted Beverly. This meet went down to the wire as the Falcons were nipped, 144.35- 141, at Yellow Jackets in Middleton.
With the defeat, the Falcons record fell to 7-1. The Panthers, meanwhile, won the NEC-CAL title again as they went to 8-0.
“My girls did awesome and they competed hard,” stated Falcons head coach Jody Bulger, despite the loss. “I give Beverly credit they were able to put it all together.”
Rachel Hill had a second and third-place finish as the freshman was second on the balance beam (9.45) and third on the floor exercise (9.25).
Junior co-captain Julia Valenti had the other second-place finish with a score of 9.3 in the vault. She also came in third on the floor with a 9.2.
Senior co-captain Jackie Veatch was third on the beam with a 9.35.
The night before, the Falcons defeated guest Peabody, 135.95- 120.2, at Yellow Jackets in Danvers.
“We had a lot of kids do different events,” explained Bulger. “We were gearing up for the Beverly meet the next night.”
North Reading- Danvers came in first place in all four events.
Hill was first on the beam (9.1), while Valenti was first on the floor (9.25). Alyson Kelleher captured the bars (8.75) and freshman Alexa Galuppo took home first in the vault (8.6).
Senior co-captain Emily McPherson was second in two events, the bars (8.55) and the beam (9.05). Alyssa Kellard placed third in the vault with a score of 8.45 while Hill came in second on the floor at 8.9.
This coming Sunday, some of the Falcons will travel to Algonquin High for the State Individuals. That meet will start at 10 a.m.
On Feb. 21, the Falcons will compete in the North Sectionals at Hudson High School.
