8s: 4th and Regionals to Go!

This was an amazing State Meet for our little team of three Level 8 gymnasts. With only three of them, every score counted. But they made them count well. Melinda was having her best meet of the year -- and a great time to do this too. She had her season high on all four events and her highest All Around. Jess, still working her way back from this winter's illness, put out a solid effort, becoming the State Bronze Medalist on Vault with a 9.00 and tying for 5th on Floor with a 9.075. LaNaya was also having her best meet of the year, taking the silver on Bars and Beam, and All Around, and hanging onto 1st on Floor with a 9.40 to become the State Floor Champion. Their combined scores earned them the 4th place team trophy! Not bad at all for the little team beset by illness and injuries most of the year.

All of this was plenty to be happy for, but the best news was yet to come. When they were reading off the qualifiers for the NH Regional Team, they called LaNaya second, then called Jess and Melinda as ties for 6th. They all three qualified for Regionals! There were lots of hugs and tears of joy, okay, and a few more hugs. They are pictured above beaming in their Regionals warm-ups and holding their team trophy. What a great way to wrap up the last year of our two long-time and hard working seniors.

Congratulations LaNaya, Jess and especially Melinda. This will make Regionals a great event.