By Jake Epstein and Pete Wise
Sports Reporters
Following a shaky start to their season, the girls’ gymnastics team advanced to the New England championship meet, where they will compete against the top three teams in every state in New England.
Reaching this accomplishment was not easy, as the girls battled injuries and tough competition throughout the stretch run.
“Our regular season was not our best, we lost our first meet in two years, but then
we made it up in the post season by making regionals, which is NSHS history,” junior Alexa Rhynd said.
Junior Sally Jenks felt the same way about the team’s rough start, but also felt that they pushed really hard to make up for their downhill slide in the beginning of the season.
“I think the season started off rough. People were injured and it was tough just getting things together,” Jenks said. “But we gained some momentum about four meets in and really got a good rotation line up, which I think is the reason we have been doing consistently well.”
Losing their first meet was tough on the team, but it did not hold them back from accomplishing what they imagined they would. Unfortunately, this loss was not the only obstacle that the team faced.
Jenks suffered an ACL injury, sidelining her for the remainder of the season. This injury was challenging to deal with for the team, but, according to its members, it only motivated them to work harder and make up for their healing member.
“Sally was a huge contribution to our team, but her absence just made us work harder and our work definitely paid off,” Rhynd said.
Junior Kalena Wang also played a part in the team’s recent success. A key component to the program for the past few years, Wang knew it was important to keep a positive look on the season despite the odds.
By the time the team had reached the sectional tournament, most of the team had reached full health, including sophomore Laura Hernandez.
“Unfortunately, Sally got injured at our last home meet and wasn’t able to compete after that, which was a disadvantage in following meets,” Wang said. “At states, we were seeded sixth and thought we didn’t really have a chance of making it to New Englands, so our goal was just to have fun and have a good meet. Even though we’re a smaller team, we’re consistent, so we ended up having a really good meet.”
This team faced many demoralizing obstacles in its season, but it did not stop the team from working as hard as it possibly could, according to its gymnasts, and making it to New Englands. Once there, they will compete with the best of the six states, where they hope to challenge for the top spot after a season filled with resilience.
“Making it to New Englands was kind of a shock because there were so many other good teams at states,” Wang said. “We’re really excited to compete in that competition.”
