The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Mentor wins sectional; Morgan wins all-around
Coach Jessica Araps said next week’s West Geauga District gymnastics meet could be the most difficult in years from a competitive standpoint.
Earning a trip to the state tournament won’t be easy, she said.
“It’s going to come down to who performs the best on that day,” said Araps, who coaches Mentor, plus other area teams and individuals.
To get to the district meet on Feb. 23, several area teams and individuals had to maneuver through the Feb. 17 West Geauga Sectional. Several area teams and competitors did that and more as they exhibited standout performances.
Mentor won a tight race for the sectional team title over runner-up Hudson. The Cardinals scored 141.550, and squeaked past the Explorers, who had 141.250. Chardon earned a district spot as it placed third (138.400).
Kelsey Morgan won the all-around with a score of 36.575. She was third on the floor (9.200), third on the beam (9.325), third on the vault (9.225) and tied for eighth on the bars (8.825).
“Kelsey performed well today,” said Araps. “This is her second all-around (sectional title) in a row, so that was great to see. She didn’t win any events, but she didn’t fall or make a big mistake. She was solid.”
Joining Morgan from the area in the all-around as district qualifiers included Chardon’s Julia Carter (35.925), Gilmour’s Sophia Giancola (35.675), Mentor’s Hannah Parmertor (35.625), Lake Catholic’s Mallory Malchesky (35.350), NDCL’s Tori Soria (35.175), Mayfield’s Rebecca Fritz (34.950) and Kenston’s Victoria Hammerle (34.875).
The top four teams and top 12 individuals finishers in each exercise advanced to next week’s West Geauga District.
Three other area gymnasts won sectional titles on Feb. 17.
Mayfield’s Fritz was the champion on the floor with a score of 9.300. Gilmour’s Giancola was the runner-up with a 9.250.
NDCL’s Soria took the vault with a 9.350 while Chardon’s Carter was second (9.250).
Mentor’s Mackenzi Gredence won the beam with a solid 9.400. It was a big achievement for Gredence — including Brianna Patty, who earned the last qualifying spot in the vault. For both, it’s their first trip to the district meet.
“I’m happy for them,” said Araps. “I knew Macknenzi had it in her all along. She started the season really strong. Her score was the highest on the beam this year.”
Other area district qualifiers include Chardon’s Margaret Hamulak (floor) and Chloe Budd (beam, bars), Mentor’s Sierra Prendergast (bars) and Kenston’s Presley Gabram (bars, vault).