By Chris Bennett
Sports Correspondent
The Waterford Union High School gymnastics team finished third in its own Emerald Invite Jan. 9 at Waterford Union High School.
“The Emerald meet is typically a tough meet, and I was very proud of the girls’ third-place finish,” Waterford coach Carrie Rydzewski said. “We were able to score higher than a few of the combined schools, which says a lot about our program here at Waterford.”
Waterford’s next competition is Jan. 25 at home against Elkhorn in a Southern Lakes Conference meet.
The Wolverines scored 128.050 points at the Emerald. Kenosha Combined, which consists of Kenosha Tremper, Bradford and Indian Trails high schools, won the meet (142.725).
Franklin Combined, which consists of Franklin, Muskego, Oak Creek and Whitnall high schools, finished second (140.025).
“We are only one school and a team of 13, but we can still perform well and compete with some of these bigger schools,” Rydzewski said.
Rachel Szeklinski finished sixth in the vault with a score of 8.6 for the Wolverines’ best performance in the event. Kenosha’s Maddy Marko won the event (9.225). Medals were awarded through sixth place.
Waterford’s Lauren Dziak finished seventh (8.5). Isabel Saber finished 14th (8.25). Ariana Konwent scored a 7.5 and Erin Limberg scored 7.425.
Dziak finished 10th on bars (8.0). Franklin’s Sam Balcerak won the event (9.4). Saber finished 15th (7.6). Szeklinski posted a score of 7.55. Cassie Barwick finished at 6.65 and Lauren Muffick at 6.25.
Saber led Waterford with an eight-place finish on beam (8.8). Kenosha’s Molly O’Boyle won the event (9.3).
Dziak and Szeklinski tied for 15th (8.425). Emily Baker posted a 7.35 and Amanda Whitford scored a 7.2.
“Overall, we only had one fall on beam,” Rydzewski said. “We had a few deductions that we can work on and clean-up.”
Saber finished ninth in the floor exercise (8.65) to lead the Wolverines. O’Boyle won the event (9.35). Szeklinski finished 15th (8.3). Konwent finished at 7.9 and Dziak at 7.55.
Saber finished fourth in the all-around (33.3). O’Boyle won the all-around (36.725). Szeklinski finished sixth (32.875) and Dziak seventh (32.475).
“Three meets in, the seniors are looking stronger and our younger kids are gaining confidence with each meet,” Rydzewski said. “We had three individual medals, with Isabel leading the team in all-around.
“We have a little break in our schedule, but I look forward to seeing what this team can do the rest of the season.”
In team standings, Burlington Combined finished fourth (127.925) and Milton finished fifth (125.275). West Allis/Divine Savior Holy Angels finished sixth (124.300) and Waunakee/DeForest finished seventh (113.600).
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