Tops Arlington in high-scoring 133-125 win
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High gymnastics team finally kicked off their 2024 season and it was in the highest of styles, a whopping 133.15-125 win over Arlington on Friday, Jan. 5 at the Saugus YMCA.
Melrose swept in every event, particularly vault that saw exceptional scores, including a 9.0 by sophomore Noah Williams.
Melrose’s all around efforts were led by returning All Star Bella Ferrante and freshman Haylee Smith, who led with a total of 34.05 points.
Melrose’s collective point total suggests that this team is a contender for a league title.
The youthful team has lots of new talent and returning experience and that was the formula for success against the Spy Ponders. Melrose earned 34 points immediate on vault thanks to the efforts from Aislin Savage, Abby Dennison, Ashley Muller, Bella Ferrante (8.5), Noah Williamson(9.0) and Haylee Smith.
They also edged Arlington in bars behind the work of Hillary Bush, Ashley Muller, Abby Dennison, Bella Ferranti, Sumin Kang and Haylee Smith.
Melrose did nicely on beam and topped the Spy Ponders in the event thanks to work from Grace Gentile, Aislin Savage, Katelyn Plourde, Sumin Kang, Bella Ferranti and Haylee Smith.
And Melrose wrapped up the night with a great floor effort behind the work of Sumin Kang, Aislin Savage, Noah Williamson, Ashley Muller, Bella Ferranti (8.8) and Haylee Smith (8.9)
“This was a high point total for a season opener so we are very pleased,” Melrose coach Denise Valdez said after the meet.
Melrose will look to make it two in a row when they travel to Burlington on Thursday (post deadline) before hosting Stoneham on Friday, Jan. 19 at 7:15 p.m.