Joe Drennan
Sports EditorMounds View gave the Forest Lake High School gymnastics team a run for its money at Thursday nightís meet. The Rangers narrowly beat Mounds View by a score of 139.274-134.125.
The Rangers finished first in three of the four events to help secure the victory. Chrissie Pierce finished first on the bars with a score of 8.9, and Ashley Morrisí score of 9.175 on the floor was also a first place finish. Brianna Hubbard and Rachel Turrey tied for first on the beam with a score of 8.8.
ìThis meet started to show what we are capable of,î Rangers head coach Nancy Ellias said. ìI was very encouraged tonight. The team was more focused and there was more team support for one another, as well as more confidence.î
Other impressive performances were Stephanie Sampairís second place finish on both the bars (8.75) and floor (9.15), and Hubbardís 9.1 second place finish on the vault. Hubbard also finished first in the all-around competition with a score of 35.2.
ìWe have a very strong team and we were pleasantly surprised to find that we were ranked ninth in the state according to Tuesdayís Minneapolis Star Tribune poll,î Ellias said. ìThis meet just affirms the ranking.î
The Rangers state ranking is a bit of a surprise to Ellias, but she understands why people are taking notice of her team.
ìWe continue to have kids increasing their skills in routines and increase their scores and personal bestî Ellias said. ìIt is very exciting to have a team with such great potential.î
The JV team competed well too, beating Mounds View 126.45-113.2. Nicky McDaniel took first on both the beam and bars, and Jamie Essen took first on the floor.
The Rangers next meet is at home against number two ranked Park (Cottage Grove) Thursday night. The meet begins at 6:30 p.m. and is also parents night.
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