Brestyan's Report

This year's Brestyan's Invitational had, as it has in years past, brought together highly talented gymnasts from around the east coast. For the spectators, there was a lot of great gymnastics to watch. For the gymnasts, there was a lot of very tough competition. The OTW girls held their own and had their turns on the winner's platform. The venue was different this year. Instead of being held in Wellsley, it was set up in the old gymnasium of Tuft's campus in Medford, Mass. Being all on one level (no bleachers or stands), the viewing was marginal (except for Vault).

Level 7 Action
The 7s started on Floor, but the scoring was pretty tough. Jackie led the team with a 9.10. On Vault, the team was heating up. Jackie scored a 9.0. Emily scored a 9.075. Ali's 9.175 brought her a medal. Amanda's 9.25 brought her the first place medal. Bars was the Level 7 Team's strong event. Mikayla scored a 9.05. Jackie scored a 9.075. Ali took a medal with a 9.1. Emily and Jamie also took home medals for Bars. Nicole led the team with a 9.20, taking 4th. By the time the rotation came to Beam, the team was beginning to show some fatigue. The exception to this was Nicole, who did a very clean Beam routine, scoring 9.3 and winning second place.

Level 8 Action
Jess had to stay home, still sick. Though a bit lost amid the large teams from other gyms, OTW's two Level 8s managed to make their mark. Both Melinda and LaNaya brought home a medal too. Melinda's full on Vault looked good. Good enough to take 3rd place! Go Melinda! Her Bars routine netted her another medal too. LaNaya held onto her series on Beam, earning her a 4th place medal.

Level 9 Action
Alyssa was still suffering from a bruised heel, but wanted to compete on at least one event, so she opted for Bars. Gymnasts can be a determined lot. Team mates Allison and Kayla were both hot tickets on Vault. Allison took 1st place with a 9.1. Kayla was right behind her, taking 2nd with a 9.075. Bars was tough for the 9s. On Beam, Allison took home a medal on Beam too.

Good job, girls. The competition was pretty tough. It was great to see you shoulder to shoulder with the region's talent.

(Thanks to Jeanie, Linda and Rita for scores)