Published January 16, 2019

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

MIDDLETON — Alicia Gomes is back for her second stint as the head coach of the Masconomet-Lynnfield High co-op gymnastics team this season. She takes over for Chelsea O’Hara who got married and moved to Edmonton last year.

Gomes inherits a powerhouse team that went a perfect 8-0 and captured the Cape Ann League-Northeastern Conference title last year. They then came in second place to Reading in the North Sectionals and then captured third place in the MIAA State Finals Tournament.

Four seniors from that squad graduated but Gomes has several key members back this winter.

The three captains this season are senior Danielle Tremblay and juniors Nicole Bonacorso and Catherine DiNanno who were both CAL-NEC All-Stars last season.

Another All-Star returning is junior Kyra Flak who was an All-Star on the bars.

Heading up the team is sophomore Gracy Mowers who was the league MVP last season.

Along with all of the returning talent, the Chieftains also have some strong newcomers as they are the heavy favorites to win the league title again.

The Aylwin sister, Katelyn and Sarah, are high-level club gymnast as Katelyn, a senior, is a level 10 member while, Sarah, a sophomore, is a level nine gymnast.

Two other new members who should have an impact are freshman Emma Quirk and sophomore Alexa Budrow.

“I am very excited about our team,” stated Gomes, a physical education teacher at Masco. “We should have a great season.”

On Jan. 8, the Chieftains improved to 3-0 as they defeated host Beverly, 144.6-125.4 at the Beverly YMCA. Sarah Aylwin led the team in the all-around with a score of 36 while Mowers was right behind her with a 35.85. Mowers best score was a 9.55 in the vault.

On Jan. 6, the Chieftains defeated guest Marblehead-Swampscott, 143.75-123.9 at Yellow Jackets in Middleton. Mowers came in first place in the vault (9.6) and had a 9.7 on the floor.

Sarah Aylwin was first on the bars (9.2) while her sister, Katelyn, was first on the beam tied with Mowers (8.6).

In the season opener on Dec. 29, also at home, the Chieftains defeated Winthrop, 145.6-129.1. Mowers was first on the floor (9.7) and vault (9.55) while Katelyn Aylwin was first on the bars (9.3) and beam (9.55).

“I deal with most of these girls in school and they are all great people as well,” said Gomes. “They are fun to be around and very supportive of each other.”

The next meet for the Chieftains will be on Wednesday (Jan. 16) as they take on Salem-Gloucester at the Beverly YMCA. That meet will start at 8 p.m.

The three Chieftains gymnasts from Lynnfield are freshmen, Amber Gamache, Makayla Greene and Lanah Rosenwald.