Reading no match for Melrose in team’s latest win
THE MELROSE Lady Raider gymnastic teams remains perfect at 4-0 with a recent win over Reading, thanks in part to the work of Izzy Judware (pictured).
MELROSE — The Melrose High School girls’ gymnastic team remains undefeated at 4-0 after a convincing 136.6-129.9 win against Reading last Thursday night at the Saugus YMCA gymnastic center. Melrose swept all four events against the Rockets with its strongest event coming in the beam, which earned three 9.0’s.
The evening also marked the occasion of Senior Night, honoring two upperclass gymnasts, Audrey McFarland and Hannah Jordow, on what was their last home meet this season.
Melrose began the night with their specialty routine, the vault, which continues to wow judges and fans. Behind the legs of Mya Marshall, Tania Dutra, Shay Fennell, Lauren Cincotta, Brooke Norris and Izzy Judware Melrose tallied a 35.6 score, outperforming Reading, who reached 32.3. Leading the charge in scoring were Izzy Judware and Lauren Cincotta with 9.1s and Brooke Norris with 9.0.
Melrose had one of its stronger performances in the bars this season with efforts from Marshall, Dutra, Fennell, Judware and Izzy Albuja. Melrose scored an average of 8.4 in the event with Izzy Judware drawing the highest score of 8.5. Overall Melrose edged Reading 33.3-31.0. Melrose also enjoyed a strong beam routine thanks to the work of Emily DeCelle, Izzy Albuja, Audrey McFarland, Tania Dutra, Shay Fennell and Izzy Judware. Dutra led the day with a 8.7 performance, and overall Melrose just edged Reading 3.3-33.0, giving them a lead of 102-96.
Melrose finished in the home stretch with an always-strong floor show, with gymnasts Hannah Jordow, Izzy Albuja, Brooke Norris, Audrey McFarland, Shay Fennell and Izzy Judware springing to the floor. Melrose topped Reading 34.4-33.6 thanks to a fantastic 9.1 performance from McFarland. According to her coach Denise Valdez, its a first 9.0 ever for McFarland as a Lady Raider.
Overall, Valdez was pleased with the team’s performance from top to bottom. “I was so happy with everyone’s performance. They are so tough fighting through injury and giving an A+ performance.”
She also tipped her cap to her seniors, McFarland and Jordow, who were honored before the meet. “They’re both great … sweet, respectful and hard working. I was so happy that Audrey got the first 9 of her career.”
Melrose hits the road for the remainder of its season hoping to claim its sixth straight league crown. They will participate in the Middlesex League meet on Feb. 7 at Stoneham High School.
Remaining Schedule
Thu. 1/29 4:30 p.m. @ Woburn High School
Tue. 2/3 7 p.m. @ Winchester (Gym N More Woburn)
Thu. 2/5 7 p.m. @ Arlington High School
Sat. 2/7 2:30 p.m. @ League Meet (Stoneham High)
