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03/16/2014 12:00 AMAnother weekend, and again the Hand gymnastics team hit a point-production high for a postseason meet.
The Tigers traveled to Northborough, Massachusetts for their first New England Championship in eight years on March 15 and came in fifth (142.825 points), just 0.125 away from the school record they set earlier this year, and the third consecutive competition in which Hand was above the 142-tally barrier.
Stefani Taschner placed third on floor with a 9.45 and was Hand’s solo individual medalist. She was also in the top 10 for the all-around (9
th
, 37.2), vault (10
th
, 9.5), and bars (8
th
, 9.4). Other scorers included Abby McGuirk (35.9 all-around, 9.0 on beam and vault, and 9.075 on bars); Kendall Jerzyk (35.35 all-around, 9.05 on vault, 8.9 on beam); Maria Iennaco (33.775 all-around, 9.05 on beam); plus Erin Maxwell (33.05 all-around), while the Tigers also had Ashlyn Thompson (vault) and Lily Spencer (bars, beam, floor) compete.
“We were really pleased with the results today. We went in hoping to break in to the top five, because we knew there were some really strong teams this year so we were excited to place fifth,” said Head Coach Kelly Smith. “Not only that, we scored higher than the last two weeks to end the season with our second-highest score this year. It's really a testament to this team that they were able to get above a 142 at states, the State Open, and New Englands. These girls worked incredibly hard and were so consistent and confident in the postseason. We accomplished every one of our team goals this year and, more than anything, we've had a great team dynamic and a fun year.”
Smith was additionally proud of the fact that Taschner had a memorable close to her great high-school tenure.
“Stefani had a really strong meet today getting a 37.2 all around. She has really improved this year as far as her consistency. She's gotten better and better every year in high school and this was by far her best year,” said Smith. “I'm so proud of all she's accomplished and earning a medal at New Englands was a perfect cap to her high school career.”