Warriors (4-3) conclude best season in program history
Published in the February 14, 2018 edition
By DAN PAWLOWSKI
STONEHAM — How do you top one of the best seasons in program history?
Easy. Take 3rd in the Middlesex League Meet.
After years of winless seasons, the WMHS gymnastics team finished the regular season with wins over Stoneham, Burlington, Arlington and Woburn.
At the Middlesex League Meet in Stoneham on Monday, the Warriors set their sights on the top of the league, as they beat all of the aforementioned teams once again, and topped a Winchester team who they lost to in the regular season to finish with 136.6 points and a 3rd place trophy.
LOLA BARRETT scored a 9.15 on the balance beam at the Middlesex League Meet. Barrett scored over a 9.0 in three of the four events, including a 9.55 on the floor exercise, her best score of the season. (Donna Larsson Photo)
“The kids really pulled together for a strong end of the season,” said Wakefield head coach Rachel Lucas, who should be recognized for her hard work during her first year running the program. “We had three meets in five days, ending with leagues and they got better at each meet. We got our highest team score of the season at leagues.”
That 136.6 was the result of a balanced and consistent team effort in all four events.
The Warriors seemed to get better as the meet went on as they closed strong with the second best score on the balance beam and a strong floor exercise to close.
Wakefield scored a 35.25 in the vault, good for 4th out of the eight teams competing at leagues. Wakefield’s top scorers were Bridget Noell (8.5) Courtney Collins (8.55), Giana Liotine (9.05) and Lola Barrett (9.15). It was a great start for Barrett, an all-around gymnast for the Warriors who scored over a 9.0 in three of the four events. While depth and consistency will win you a meet, it is also important to have an all-around competitor who can score big points in any event.
The bars are an event that Wakefield might not consider their best, but the Warriors stepped up and got some great performances, led by Liotine’s 8.6, to finish 3rd in the league. Also excellent on the bars was Barrett (8.4), Elise Rich (8.3) and Margot Bridge (8.2).
Halfway through the meet, the Warriors had a 68.75, trailing only Middlesex powerhouses Reading (72.25) and Melrose (69.45).
The Warriors kept the pressure on the rest of the league with an electric performance on the beam.
Barrett led the way once again with a 9.15, followed by sound routines from Liotine (8.45), Collins (8.3) and Casey Kearney (7.9). Wakefield’s 33.8 on the beam was second only to Reading.
The Warriors finished the meet strong on the floor exercise. Ava Licciardi (7.95), Rich (8.1) and Liotine (8.45) were all excellent, but once again is was Barrett who stole the show, as her 9.55 was 3rd best in the league.
“Lola got her highest floor score of the season with a 9.55,” said Lucas. “Everyone was focused and impressive.”
In the end, Wakefield (136.6) finished just behind Melrose (137.8) and also got some revenge on Winchester (134).
As they look back on what can easily be described as a historic season, the Warriors will look to carve their own space at the top of the league for years to come. It is something that the current team and coach Lucas are already looking forward to.
“I cannot wait to see the strength and determination the team comes back with next season,” said Lucas. “We had a winning season ending 4-3 which was amazing, and I know next year will be an even better season. The kids are hungry for even more wins next year.”
