Gymnasts end season with strong showing at Hocks

The 2011-2012 CHS gymnastics season has come to an end, but not without much improvement and success from a talented squad. The Bulldogs have come a long way from last season, as evidenced by their 3-3 record and their great showing at the Hockomock League Championship Meet and their last meet against Braintree.

Jessie Brooks (Mike Barucci photo)

The Hock championships, held last Saturday at Arnolds Gymnasium in Mansfield, showcased great performances by a few CHS gymnasts. Senior Josh Klein vaulted to a 9.45, earning him a first-place nod and a spot on this year’s all-star team.

Senior captain Becca Pulcini placed in two events, a particularly notable showing as she’s still on the mend from an ankle injury. Earning fourth place on the vault with an 8.7 and third place on the floor with an 8.1, Pulcini joins Klein as an all star. Rounding out the competition was freshman Abby Greene on the beam. Her 8.7 earned her a fifth-place finish.

In the Bulldogs’ last meet against Braintree, the squad broke the 130-point mark. Unfortunately, it was not enough to beat the Wamps, who edged out the win 130.75-130.55.

“Another close call for the team,” said Coach Carla King, “but it ended up being a tough loss by 0.2.”

Despite another devastating loss, what remains clear is the significant improvement of the team, both throughout the season and since last year’s disappointing campaign.

“Each meet brings more and more improvement,” said King. “Unfortunately, now that we’re on a roll and constantly improving, the season is coming to an end.”

Noteworthy improvement and strong performances can be seen in all events. Klein and junior captain Jessie Brooks both earned their season highs on the vault, with a 9.3 and 8.2, respectively. Greene bested her previous best on the bars with an 8.4. On the beam, freshmen Meghan Peters and Erin Proctor saw their efforts come to fruition with season highs of 8.7 and 7.6. And on the floor, all-around great performances were put in by Pulcini (8.5), Greene (8.5), Klein (8.3), Brooks (8.2), Peters (8.0), and sophomore Rachel Leibovitz (7.8).

The 2011-2012 season will be remembered as one in which some longtime contributors reached their peak, while a bright, young group of underclassmen made quite a splash.

By Holly Erickson

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Posted by Canton Citizen on Feb 15 2012. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.