Printer Friendly Version - Valley Gymnastics Boasting Poise and Pride as Reigning Shoreline Champs

The Valley Regional gymnastics team is showing plenty of pride both in and out of competition, getting off to a 5-1 start this winter after claiming a Shoreline Conference crown last year. Photo courtesy of Monica Bauer

Junior captain Corina Pagliuco and the Valley Regional gymnastics squad are getting after it in terms of competition to start off their 2023-2024 campaign. Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier Photo courtesy of Wesley Bunnell

The Valley Regional gymnastics team took some major vaults forward by attaining newfound postseason glory on the mats last winter. As is with any competitive squad, the goal is always to improve upon past success, which is the exact case for Valley. This winter, the Warriors will look to keep that routine from a year ago, while adding in an added layer of pride and passion to jump to the next level.

After competing through their dual-meet season for the 2022-2023 campaign, which included facing Southern Connecticut Conference (SCC) schools such as Law, Hamden, Mercy, along with SCC and State Open champion Hand, the Warriors competed at the Shoreline Conference Championship on Feb. 13 at ABC Gymnastics and captured first place, with a total team score of 118.85.

Another big feat for Valley last season was qualifying as a group for states, competing at the Class S State Championship on Feb. 25 at Law High School in Milford. The Warriors finished sixth out of eight squads, with 123.3 points.

Head Coach Monica Bauer detailed that for her group this campaign as a reigning league champion, they are looking to return to the state championships as an entire entity. Yet the girls are additionally showing their true colors and squad spirit away from competition, too.

“Out of competition, the fundraising [for the team] and ideas about team spirit are off the charts,” said Bauer, whose team is 5-1 through its first trio of dual meets. “The girls are super motivated. In terms of competition, a goal of ours is to make states.”

Junior Corina Pagliuco leads off the squad this season as its lone captain. Bauer declared that she is certainly the right one for the stewardship assignment, bringing the perfect blend of athleticism and a desire to connect the entire team.

“Our captain is Corina Pagliuco, and she is one of the most enthusiastic captains we have ever had,” said Bauer. “She brings great team unity, and really motivates the team.”

The talent is certainly alive, well, and prevalent in the family. Freshman Camille Pagliuco (sister of Corina) has already burst onto the scene as a great rookie contributor. Her coach noted that Camille has quickly picked up the lay of the land with the high school circuit, while showing her versatility.

“Corina’s sister Camille is one athlete to watch,” Bauer said. “She is a freshman and is an all-around competitor. She is learning the rules and amping up her skills.”

Valley is looking forward to a pivotal meet as host on Friday, Jan. 19 at the Flip Flop Gymnastics at 7:15 p.m. vs. SCC programs Mercy and Hamden, along with co-op Haddam-Killingworth/Morgan/Westbrook. It should be an evening that serves as a big barometer for the club, according to Bauer.

“We are excited to compete Jan. 19 at home against Hamden, Mercy, and Haddam-Killingworth/Morgan/Westbrook,” said Bauer. “It’s a mid-season meet, and we should see how the girls are building their skills and sticking to their routines.”

In their first meet of the campaign on Dec. 22 at home against Haddam-Killingworth/Morgan/Westbrook, the Warriors boasted a team score of 133.8 to defeat the Cougars, who posted a tally of 120.35. Bauer would like this to be a mean score in more ways than one, as the regular season progresses and they prepare for the postseason.

“The girls will get stronger as the season goes on,” Bauer said. “A goal would be to score 130. Sticking routines and staying on the beam will help. We are excited for consistent, clean routines in the future.”

The 2023-2024 Valley Regional gymnastics team roster is comprised of senior Molly Manco; juniors Corina Pagliuco and Holly Board; sophomores Kaleigh Dugan, Coralina Giuliano, and Sadie Iselin; plus freshmen Scout (Hawley) Kornacki, Clementine Lavezzoli, Camille Pagliuco, and Emma Reilly.

Friday, Jan. 19: vs. Haddam-Killingworth/Morgan/Westbrook w/ Hamden, Mercy at 7:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 23: at Hand w/ Mercy, Haddam-Killingworth/Morgan/Westbrook at Polson Middle School at 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 13: at Hand w/ Mercy, Haddam-Killingworth/Morgan/Westbrook at Polson Middle School at 6 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 16: at Shoreline Conference Championship at ABC Gymnastics at 6 p.m.