Reading takes top spot at ML meet
Published in the February 17, 2017 edition
THE MELROSE High gymnastic team came in a solid second at the 2017 Middlesex League Meet. Pictured is Shay Fennell. (Donna Larsson photo)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High School gymnastics team was ahead of the pack at the 2017 Middlesex League Meet at Burlington High on Sunday, Feb. 12, but ultimately edged by a strong Reading team, who won the league crown with a commanding 143 points. Melrose placed second with a tally of 138.2 points, and freshman Katie Wright placed fourth all around.
The Lady Raiders strongest event was the beam, and they were led by Stephanie and Tania Dutra who scored 9.1 and 9.05, respectively. Katie Wright (8.9) and Shay Fennell (8.75) also kept Melrose ahead of most of the competition. Melrose tallied 35.8 in the event, good enough for second in the league behind Reading, who scored 37 points behind a massive 9.65 by Emily Eagleston and a 9.55 by Katie Doyle.
In fact, no one would touch Reading in most events, though Melrose came closest, particularly in the vault, which saw strong turns by Katie Wright (9.0) Brooke Barriss (8.9) and Stephanie Dutra (8.6). And Melrose was also second in bars, with solid efforts by Ciara Smith (8.55) and Katie Wright (8.6) along with Jane Harrington (8.45) and Stephanie Dutra (8.2). Melrose was edged in the floor but saw a very strong performance by Katie Wright (9.2).
Despite the second place showing, Melrose is poised to possibly qualify for their fourth straight sectional appearance. The bracket will be released Thursday (post deadline) by the MIAA. However, Melrose has already qualified a number of gymnasts for States. They include Katie Wright (all around) Brooke Barriss (vault) Ciara Smith (bars) Tania Dutra (beam) and Stephanie Dutra (beam).
