Gymnasts
2nd in States
The Woodstock Academy gymnastics team knew it would be very difficult to keep its string of State Open championships going.
Greenwich came into Pomperaug High School in Southbury Saturday as the favorite and left with the title as it outscored the Centaurs, 143.525-138.425. Trumbull, the No. 2 seed, finished third.
The second-place finish ended the Centaurs string of six consecutive State Open titles.
But it didn’t leave them disappointed.
“Very happy and proud of the second place finish,” said coach Kasey Tocchio. “Coming in ranked third, we just wanted to have our best meet. Second place felt like a first to us.”
The second- place finish also meant the Centaurs will travel as a team as one of the two Connecticut representatives, along with Greenwich,  to the New England championships. The Centaurs will compete at the Pinkerton Academy in Derry, N.H.
The Centaurs success in the State Open was, once again, the result of a team effort.
Ali Crescimanno led the Centaurs in the All-Around with a 35.025 while Jenna Davidson (34.825) finished 12th and Grace Gronski (34.225) tied for 13th.
The Centaurs haven’t had the luxury of a Paige Stuyniski or Grace Logan this season; gymnasts who would consistently score in the top five in competitions. It left the Centaurs little margin for error.
“This year has absolutely been a team effort, it takes all six of those girls having their best meet,” Tocchio said.  “We are very strong as a whole and the girls have worked hard to push each other to be better. All six girls that competed made first team All-State this year which shows how strong they all are and how much we count on all of them.” Crescimanno had the highest individual finish, fourth on the bars with a 9.0.
Freshman Grace Gronski (9.225) placed fifth on the floor with Crescimanno in 13th (8.875) and Abby Vaida in 15th with an 8.825. “Grace has been working on the little details and it showed. Abby also did a beautiful routine as she has been a rock for us on floor this year,” Tocchio said.
Jenna Davidson was ninth on the beam for the Centaurs.
Marc Allard
Sports Information Director