Joe Drennan
Sports EditorThe Forest Lake gymnastics team started their season with a bang, beating Hastings and Lakeville.
The season started for the Rangers as they traveled to Hastings. Despite some first meet jitters and a few falls, the Rangers came out on top in a close match 127.95-125.325.
ìWe had four out of five people fall on the varsity bars, and four out of five people fall on the varsity beam,î Forest Lake head gymnastics coach Nancy Ellias said. ìOur downfall this meet was our falls. Concentration and endurance were definitely our weakness.î
The bright spots for the Rangers against Hastings was Rachel Turryís first place finishes on both the bars and the beam. Brianna Hubbard finished first on the vault, and Stephanie Sampair finished first on the beam in a tie with Turry. Ashley Morris finished second on the vault, Kelsey Callahan third on the bars, and Tasha Tyler third on the floor.
ìWe still had a decent first meet considering Chrissie Pierce was sick and Jamie Essen is out for a couple weeks due to ankle problems,î Ellias said.
Two days later, the Rangers hosted Lakeville on Friday in their home opening match. With Lakeville as a perennial state championship team, the Rangers knew there was no room for error.
ìWe were the most competitive we have been with them since 1997,î Ellias said. ìI was very pleased with the teamís efforts and composure.î
The Rangers defeated Lakeville by a score of 146.25-137.075. A second place finish on the beam and the teamís highest all around score of 34.4 from Pierce helped the Rangers in their victory. Turryís third place finish on the beam was another boost to the team.
Although they didnít place in the top three, many other girls had personal best marks in many events.
ìUsually the first home meet brings a burden of nerves, but the telling event for the varsity was the beam,î Ellias said. ìWe had five out of five of the girls stick their routines, quite the opposite of all our falls against Hastings.î
The Rangers next meet is Saturday, Jan. 3, at the MGGOA meet in Roseville at 11 a.m.
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