WESTFIELD – It was awfully close, but Westfield refused to be denied.
Westfield captured their umpteenth Western Mass Gymnastics championship on Saturday night at Minnechaug Regional High School. The Bombers just edged Minnechaug, 135.625 to 135.575. Hampshire took third place (128.35), followed by Agawam (124.025), and Chicopee Comp (116.025).
Once it became official that Westfield secured the title, head coach Bethany Liquori could not have been happier with the news.
“They deserve it, they’re such a great group of kids,” said Liquori. “I’m just so happy that they could take another Western Mass championship.”
Westfield captures the Western Mass title for the 10th consecutive year. (Photo by Bill Deren)
Another championship it was indeed, as holding the trophy marked a decade-long streak of winning the Western Mass title.
“It’s awesome being a part of this team,” said Westfield senior Liz Walker. “Being able to contribute to the 10 years, it’s kind of overwhelming, it’s surreal.”
Walker won the All-Around event with a score of 35.75, signifying her reign as the best overall gymnast for the second straight year.
“She’s an amazing gymnast,” said Liquori. “She’s a great leader.”
The victory in the All-Around helped the Bombers get the much-needed points that would eventually help them squeak past Minnechaug.
Walker also placed first on the vault and uneven bars while earning second place on the balance beam. For best senior gymnast in the championships, Walker was nominated as a finalist.
Miranda Wozniak spots her landing on the bars. (Photo by Bill Deren)
Miranda Wozniak earned a tie for sixth place in the vault with an 8.05. Avery Farquharson tied for fifth place with a score of 8.1. Kealyn Matuszczak also tied for fifth place.
On the balance beam, Wozniak tied for fifth place (8.45) while Mairaed Hagan placed third with a score of 8.7.
Samantha Druckenmiller and Carly Thayer tied for sixth place for the Bombers while Madison Sompi took fourth place, scoring an 8.8.
As winning the championship did not come easy, Westfield fought until the end with their familiar foe. The Bombers were able to capture last year’s title against Minnechaug. The competitive rivalry with the Falcons certainly did not disappoint again this year.
“They’re (Minnechaug) amazing, they do an amazing job every time,” said Walker. “It’s crazy how close it’s been.”
