THE WARRIORS took 8th overall at North Sectionals on Saturday.
Published in the March 1, 2018 edition.
By DAN PAWLOWSKI
ALGONQUIN — The 2018 season for the Wakefield High gymnastics team started with so much success that it took some time just to get used to it. Each new accomplishment, like finishing third at the Middlesex League Meet behind only state powerhouses Reading and Melrose, was certainly appreciated and recognized, but it’s no longer surprising to Wakefield fans and the rest of the gymnastics community to see the Warriors at the top of so many score sheets.
So, when it was announced that they made sectionals, the Warriors weren’t about to be satisfied with the invite. They were going to Algonquin High to make some noise.
After multiple big performances from plenty of competitors, Wakefield finished 8th out of the 12 best teams in the North.
“No one thought we could make it to sectionals but they did and they put on a great show while we were there,” said Wakefield head coach Rachel Lucas. “We were so proud of the energy and effort put forth by the team.”
Wakefield finished with 131.35 points, ahead of Winthrop (130.25), Westford Academy (129.125), Beverly (127.4) and Winchester (117.5). Melrose finished just ahead in 7th with 132.8, behind Newton South (132.825), Central Catholic (135.325), Andover (135.925), Dracut (136.750), Masco (141.975) and first-place Reading (143.725).
Wakefield’s two best events came on the beam where they were 6th with a 33.375, and on the floor where they were also 6th with a 34.325.
Lola Barrett continued her fantastic season by finishing as the 9th-best All-Around gymnast with a score of 34.350. Barrett’s finished 3rd on the floor exercise behind two Masco competitors, with a score of 9.250. Her next best event was an 8.8 on the beam. She also got an 8.2 on the vault and an 8.1 on bars.
Giana Liotine was on her game once again as she took 11th overall with a score of 34.025. Liotine had a strong and consistent performance, finishing with high scores in multiple events. Her best came on the vault where she got an 8.8. Liotine was also excellent on the beam (8.75), the floor (8.525), and the bars (7.950).
Elise Rich’s work on the beam and the floor was another reason why the Warriors finished top six in those two events. Rich score an 8.0 on the beam and an 8.3 on the floor. She also added a 6.75 on the bars.
Depth is what makes a good team a great team. The Warriors have had a nice variety of different competitors step up each meet, and in this one, they got big points from Ava Licciardi, Bridget Noell and Courtney Collins. Licciardi got an 8.35 on the floor and an 8.2 on the vault. Noell stepped up with an 8.3 on the vault and an 8.2 on the floor. Collins got an 8.3 on the vault while also scoring a 7.825 on the beam.
Wakefield also picked up points from gymnasts who specialize in one event, including an 8.225 for Alana Willis on the floor, a 7.9 from Jessica Maffe on the vault, and a 7.15 from Margot Bridge on the bars. Lizzie Finn also chipped in with a 6.5 on the beam.
In the end it was another impressive performance that may have caught some in attendance at Algonquin High by surprise. After all, seeing Wakefield in a gymnastics sectional isn’t typical. But the hard work and dedication from the Warriors and their coaches have provided the memory of an awesome season, while also setting a foundation that Wakefield can build on. But for now, the team can celebrate a season that will certainly be remembered as one of Wakefield’s best in program history.
“Now that the season is over, we can look back and really see how far this team has come since November,” said Lucas. “They are such an amazing group of hard working, talented athletes.”
