Competes in North Sectionals on Sat.

Published February 22, 2019

MELROSE—The Melrose High gymnastics team kicked off their postseason by competing in the 2019 State Individual All-Around Competition on Monday, Feb. 18 at Tewksbury High School and this weekend will battle in the MIAA North Sectionals held in Algonquin High School on Saturday.

On Monday, Melrose saw their top work done by Katie Wright, who placed 22nd in a tough field with a 35.00 score. Wright scored her highest points in the vault, 9.05, followed by bars 8.2, beam 8.95 and floor 8.8. Wright competed with teammates Brooke Barris, Ciara Smith and Lucy Hannon.

According to coach Denise Valdez, each girl shined in their own way. “Brooke had a beautiful tsuk vault, which earned her an 8.9. This is a great routine that averages a 9.2.”

Beam and floor were no problem either. Says Valdez, “Katie stuck beam and was so competitive overall and Lucy and Ciara did well in the floor.”

This Saturday, Melrose will compete in the MIAA North Sectional Finals, where they currently are ranked 5th in the North. In order to qualify for States, they will need to place in the top 4th. It’s doable for the Lady Raiders, coming in with a strong 140 point average.

“On any given day you never know what this team can do. Anything can happen,” says Valdez. “We are enjoying a nice rotation schedule going in this weekend. Vault first, floor last. That’s always been our preference.”

It’s been over 15 years since Melrose has punched their ticket beyond Sectionals to battle in States, and if Melrose competes at their absolute best this weekend, there is no reason to rule it out.

As the coach says, “Anything can happen.”

THE MELROSE High gymnastics team will battle in the North Sectionals this weekend. Pictured is Katie Wright. (Donna Larsson photo)

North Sectional Seedings 

1. Masconomet/Lynnfield 147.75

2. Newton South High School 146.1125

3. Reading Memorial High School 142.825

4. Wakefield Memorial High School 140.1375

5. Melrose High School 140.1

6. Chelmsford/Billerica 139.3625

7. Westford Academy 139.275

8. Danvers High School 138.675

9. Stoneham High School 136.9625

10. Central Catholic High School 136.7625

11. Andover High School 135.8625

12. Haverhill High School 135.5875