Melrose a perfect 5-0 after topping Stoneham

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THE MELROSE Lady Raider gymnastics team improved to 5-0 after a win over Stoneham last week. (Donna Larsson photo)

Published in the January 29, 2016 edition

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE — The Melrose Lady Raider gymnastic team remains undefeated after earning their fifth win with a 137.8-133.35 victory over Stoneham on Friday, Jan. 22 at the YMCA MetroNorth Gymnastic Center in Saugus. Led by very strong performances on vault and beam, Melrose is now 5-0 with a tough Arlington on tap tonight in a 7 p.m. home meet.

Melrose swept 3-4 events in the vault, beam and bars. The Lady Raiders had their strongest showing in the beam, led by Tania Dutra, who took wins in both the beam and bars. Dutra pulled in a 9.0 in beam, right behind her was Stephanie Dutra (8.9), Anna Pecci (8.8), Shay Fennell (8.6), Mya Marshall (8.7) and Emily DeCelle (8.4). On bars, Tania Dutra also led with a 8.7 and teammates Brooke Barriss, Shay Fennell, Lauren Cincotta, Stephanie Dutra and Izzy Albuja helped Melrose pull away from Stoneham 33.15-31.6.

Stoneham took the floor event, edging the Lady Raiders 34.95-34.15, thanks in part to a strong day from Megan Ribaurdo (9.3) but Melrose showed consistency across the board, led by Shay Fennell (9.0) and teammates Brooke Norriss, Anna Pecci, Sophie Duff, Izzy Albuja and Tania Dutra. Melrose proved its might in the vault, one of their strongest events of the season, taking first place with a top score from Lauren Cincotta (9.1) and Brooke Norris (8.7) Brooke Barriss (8.7) Tania Dutra (8.6) Shay Fennell (8.3) and Brett Mullett (8.0)

Tonight Melrose hosts a very competitive Arlington team at the YMCA gymnastics center in Saugus at 7 p.m. and hope to extend their winning streak. If they do, it will all come down to their Tuesday night meet against undefeated Winchester in a winner takes all event. Action will start at 7:30.

Remaining Schedule

Fri. 1/29 7:15 p.m. vs. Arlington (YMCA -Gymnastics Center)

Tue. 2/2 7:30 p.m. vs. Winchester (YMCA -Gymnastics Center)

Fri. 2/5 8 p.m.  @ Middlesex League Meet (Shriners Auditorium)