Woodstock Academy off to fast start
With the calendar turning to 2019, the girls gymnastics season has picked up speed.
Woodstock Academy, which saw Greenwich end its streak of sixth consecutive State Open Championships last season, has come flying out of the gate thus far.
The Centaurs are 4-0 following a 139.8-121.45 triumph over Old Lyme-East Lyme Co-op last Monday.
One big reason for the fast start is the return of senior Lydia Taft. Against Old Lyme-East Lyme, Taft took first place on bars (9.05), beam (9.3), floor exercise (9.1) and all-around 36.25.
Last year, Taft only competed in the New England Championships as she took time off to allow her back problems to heal fully.
Fellow Woodstock Academy senior Ali Crescimanno, who will be a gymnast at Winona State University in Minnesota in the fall, won vault (9.1) and was runnerup in the all-around (35.55) against Old Lyme-East Lyme.
The Centaurs return to action on January 16 at Norwich Free Academy.
LUDLOWE IMPRESSES
A team sending a message early in the southern corner of the state is Fairfield Ludlowe.
On Jan. 3, Ludlowe (130) conquered Oxford (129.15), Warde (126) and Darien (119). On Jan. 5, the Falcons captured the team title at the Pomperaug Invitational with 133.70 to top nine other schools.
At the Pomperaug Invitational, Ludlowe sophomore Ava Mancini took first place on bars and in the all-around.
GREENWICH UNBEATEN
Greenwich showed it is ready to defend its State Open title as well as being three-time defending FCIAC champ as the Cardinals edged Wilton, 129.8129.55 back on Jan. 4 to stay unbeaten at 2-0.
Greenwich saw its top gymnast Adnerys DeJesus (State Open vault, bars, all-around champion) graduate.
The Cardinals are in good hands led by Kelsey Fedorko and Gianna Cardini. GHS has room to grow as Ellie Marino is working her way back to peak form after some injuries.
MYSTERY TEAM
A mystery team to keep an eye on is Trumbull High School.
The Eagles had their season-opening meet Thursday but fell 134.1127.25 at Wilton. Trumbull, which was third in the State Open team standings last year, will have four meets between January 10 and January 21.