Gymnasts flip past Wakefield for fourth win of year

BELLA FERRANTE has been a standout on beam for the winning MHS gymnastics team. (photo by Raj Das edphotos.com)

MELROSE—The Melrose High School gymnastics team earned their fourth win of the season with a convincing 134-123 victory over rival Wakefield on Friday, Jan. 26 at the Saugus YMCA. 

Melrose continues to maintain a strong point average that could allow them entry into a post season via North Sectionals. Melrose’s final regular season meet is scheduled for Feb. 9 against Winchester at Woburn High. 

Melrose was host to a tri meet last Friday against not just Wakefield but Wilmington/Bedford, last year’s league champions who scored a 137.05 that topped both Melrose and Wakefield. 

But Melrose bested all of their opponents in the vault, an event that is proving to be their best and perhaps will see them top all competition at the Middlesex League meet on Feb. 12. 

On Friday, led by vaulting athletes Maya Weissman, Ashley Muller, Abby Dennison, Sumin Kang, Bella Ferrante and Noah Williamson, Melrose simply was great with all athletes scoring in the 8.0’s with a Noah Williamson (8.75), Ashley Muller (8.35), Sumin Kang (8.3), Bella Ferrante (8.25) leading the way. 

Melrose beat Wakefield in every event with solid bars work done by Abby Dennison, Hillary Bush, Aislin Savage, Ashley Muller, Sumin Kang and Haylee Smith. Melrose’s top score was by Smith, who had a strong 8.7. Smith also dazzled in the beam and floor, to continue her quality debut season. 

Melrose’s beam efforts were done by Leila Contin, Sumin Kang, Katelyn Plourde, Ashley Muller, Bella Ferrante and Smith. Wrapping up the night on the floor for a 34.6 matching score to Wilmington was Aislin Savage, Katelyn Plourde, Sumin Kang, Ashley Muller (8.65), Bella Ferrante and Haylee Smith. 

All around efforts were had by Ashley Muller, who scored a strong 8.65 in floor. 

Melrose will concentrate on training for their widely anticipated appearance at the 2024 Middlesex League Meet on Feb. 12 and their regular season finale against rival Winchester on Feb. 9 at Woburn High.