Published in the February 16, 2021 edition.
WAKEFIELD—The Wakefield Warrior gymnastics team earned their fourth win of the season after a convincing 138.1-130.35 victory over rival Melrose at Wakefield High on Saturday. With just one loss, Wakefield is slated to finish behind league winner Burlington (undefeated at 7-0) in the Middlesex League. The Warriors are scheduled to close their season later this week against Arlington.
“This season has been as successful as it can be with COVID,” said head coach Rachel Lucas. “It’s unfortunate that we have no championship meets and no post season because we have one of the strongest teams we’ve ever had.”
On Saturday, Wakefield’s Lola Barrett wowed with two exceptional performances in the bar and floor routines. Her double back flip in the floor routine helped her earn a 9.35 and served as a first-ever feat on the Wakefield High floor. She also blew the competition away in the bars with a score of 9.5.
Wakefield won every event but Melrose remained most competitive in the vault and the floor. The Warriors started the meet with a 33.2-32.9 win in the vault behind the efforts of Emma Callahan (8.2), Lola Barrett (8.4), Giana Liotine (8.5) and Georgia Lamarre (8.1), who all earned points for Wakefield, with Liotine scoring the highest at 8.5. Wakefield had an easy win over Melrose in the bars thanks to Giana Liotine (8.7), Sydney Yee (8.7), Lamarre (8.55) and Lola Barrett, who swept her rivals with a 9.5 score.
Sydney Yee earned an event-high 9.2 in the beam for Wakefield, who overpowered Melrose in the event behind solid work from Barrett (8.8), Lamarre (8.4) and Grady (8.6).
Barrett led Wakefield’s efforts in the floor exercise with a big 9.35 that featured a double back. Yee (8.4), Liotine (8.5) and Lamarre (8.2) also scored points and helped Wakefield take the event, 34.45-33.95.
The Warriors will host Arlington on Saturday at 9 a.m.
“Even with the challenges this unique year has brought, this Wakefield gymnastics team shows up to practice, gets new skills and works hard to perform,” said Lucas. “We couldn’t be more proud of the entire team for their hard work and dedication to the sport.”
