The Bulldogs gymnastics team finished in the middle of the pack in Big Lake Saturday, then lost a close meet to Chisago Lakes Thursday on the road.
Tropical Twist
In a very competitive Big Lake Tropical Twist Invite Saturday, Becker placed fifth of eight teams.
The Big Lake Hornets won the meet with a 146.6 and are currently ranked #1 in the state for Class A.
“It was good for our gymnasts to see where they rank up against these teams as there were four section teams at this meet,” said Head Coach Kayla Kalinowski.
“Unfortunately over the winter break, we picked up the flu bug going around and continued to pass it from teammate to teammate the entire break. To be able to field a full team for this meet was a highlight as getting them strong enough after the flu to complete a routine seemed to be the hardest part of the sickness.”
Kalinowski and her coaching staff were very proud of the girls and how they pulled together and pushed through the sickness to finish with a 132.6 score.
Becker started on floor and they knew this event would be a test for them, especially the ones coming off sickness so Kalinowski “watered down” a few passes and kept it safe.
Sarah Woelfel led the way with an 8.8, closely followed by Theresa Johnson with an 8.6. Riley Norberg scored an 8.45 and Keeley Holm notched an 8.35.
Vault was an up and down performance for the Bulldogs. Norberg hit a nice pike tsuk for a fourth place finish and a 9.35. Johnson and Lauren Woelfel tied with an 8.7 and Holm stepped up for an 8.6
Bars continues to be a struggle for Kalinowski’s girls and she hopes to get a few new skills in their routines before sections to be able to keep up with the other teams. Lauren Woelfel led the way with a 7.9, followed closely by Norberg with a 7.85 and Sarah Woelfel with a 7.75.
Beam was a little bit of a rough spot with Norberg leading the way with an 8.4. She was followed by Lauren Woelfel with an 8.3. Mackensie Cota stepped up and hit her first varsity routine for a 7.8 and Sarah Woelfel closed the beam out with a 7.4
“We are looking forward to getting healthy and finally being able to add the upgrades we worked on so hard before the sickness hit us,” said Kalinowski.
Twist Scores: 1). Big Lake- 146.6; 2). Sartell - 146.2; 3). Monticello - 137.95; 4). Annandale - 135; 5). Becker - 132.6; 6). Chisago Lakes - 131.5; 7). Rogers - 130.45; 8). Glencoe - 121.1.
Chisago Lakes 132.8,Becker 131.975
Just having competed against Chisago Lakes last Saturday at the Big Lake invite, the Bulldogs knew Thursday’s meet was going to be a close meet.
“We were looking for the gymnasts to step up and know that each of those falls and mistakes add up and fight for every 10th,” said Kalinowski. “Unfortunately, we had a few too many mistakes and Chisago Lakes was able to come away with the win last night.”
Norberg tied for first on vault with a 9.05, Lauren Woelfel landed her tuck tsuk for an 8.85, Johnson hit a nice vault for an 8.8 and Sarah Woelfel closed out the vault scoring with an 8.5.
Bars were a nice hit set for the girls with. Norberg hitting a solid 8.15, followed closely by Sarah Woelfel with an 8.025. Johnson added a 7.475 and Lauren Woelfel added a 7.2.
Beam continues to be a rollercoaster for Becker. Norberg hit a beautiful routine for a 9.2. Lauren Woelfel also put together a solid 8.5 routine and looks to add a few upgrades to improve that even more. Unfortunately, Justine Vilmo, Sarah Woelfel and Johnson all suffered falls in their routines and kept their scores from being what they were looking for.
Floor was a highlight for Becker Thursday. The girls all put together solid, hit routines and are now looking forward to adding their upgrades before the next meet. Sarah Woelfel and Norberg tied for second with an 8.625. Lauren Woelfel added a fifth place finish with an 8.475, followed closely by Johnson’s 8.4.
Up Next
The girls are excited for their next meet Thursday at Cambridge-Isanti.
