Published in the January 31, 2019 edition.

By DAN PAWLOWSKI

WAKEFIELD — The Wakefield High gymnastics team returned home on Tuesday for a league matchup against Burlington.

Wakefield had another balanced effort from multiple student athletes on their way to a 4-1 league record and 5-1 overall record.

“The team was awesome,” said Wakefield head coach Rachel Lucas. “They looked really solid.”

Like they’ve done throughout most of the season, the Warriors started off strong by winning the vault, 35.35-34.1.

Giana Liotine led the way on vault with a 9.2. She had a strong All-Around score of 35 after putting together consistent performances in all events including bars (8.6), beam (8.5) and floor (8.7).

Lola Barrett was next with a 9.1 on vault, followed by captain Elise Rich (8.6) and Jessica Maffe (8.45).

The Warriors pulled away on bars, outscoring Burlington 33.9-29.5 in the event to give them an overall lead of 69.25-63.6.

Barrett was first on bars as the only competitor to break a nine with a 9.0. Barrett has had another terrific season. Against Burlington, she also got first on the floor with a 9.4.

“Lola was a stand out all around as always especially on floor,” said Lucas.

Barrett had an all around score of 3.5

Also impressive on bars was Liotine with an 8.6 and Sydney Yee who got an 8.5. Margot Bridge concluded the scoring with a 7.8.

Wakefield all but sealed the deal on the balance beam outscoring Burlington 33.8-31.55 to put the overall score at 103.05-95.15.

Elise Rich, who has built a reputation for clutch routines on the beam, led the way for Wakefield with an 8.8. Close on her heals was Courtney Collins who got a strong 8.7. Liotine’s 8.5 was third while Yee finished up the scoring with a 7.8.

Despite a comfortable lead, Wakefield finished strong in the final event, outscoring Burlington 35.4-33 on floor.

Barrett’s incredible 9.4 was certainly an emphatic way to end the meet, but the Warriors had multiple efforts to be proud of.

Alana Willis had an 8.8 on floor, followed by Liotine’s 8.7 and Yee’s 8.5.

“The entire team was terrific, we really couldn’t be happier with their performance or success so far this season,” said Barrett.

As the Warriors enter the homestretch of their season, there is plenty to look forward to.

“We are excited to be approaching a big week next week with our Senior Meet and last home meet on Wednesday against Woburn, our Friday meet in Arlington and then the league meet on Feb. 11.”

Wakefield’s Senior Meet against the Tanners will start at 4:30 p.m.