Lady Wreckers have strong performances against Trumbull and Pomperaug

The Staples gymnastics team had a strong showing against Trumbull on Tuesday at the University of Bridgeport despite losing 132.5-120.2. Trumbull raised its record to 2-1. Staples dropped to 1-2.

"I think it went really well," Lady Wreckers Coach Melissa Zigmont said. "Our goal was to break 120 as a team in order to maintain a consistent scoring level which will help get us into states. We also wanted to make sure the girls weren't too stressed for midterms."

The Lady Wreckers did not change much of their routines. The only changes in the typical Staples routine were new vaults by junior assistant captain Zoe Heller and sophomore Emily Fishman.

Senior captains Emma Vaimberg and Heller were the team's leading all-arounds. Junior assistant captain Kara Tricarico also made a strong showing with scores of 7.6 and 6.6 on vault and the uneven bars, respectively, but was injured during her floor routine, the third event for Staples. Tricarico was a scratch on the balance beam and sophomore Michelle Elsas stepped up to replace her, scoring a 4.7.

"I think she should be commended because it was an event she had never done before and she willingly stepped up for the team," said Zigmont.

Vaimberg made a large impact for Staples with a strong floor routine where she scored an 8.8 and contributed to her all-around score of 33.65. She also received an 8.45 on vault, a 7.7 on bars and an 8.7 on beam.

Heller was also a force for Staples with an all-around score of 30. She produced a 7.9 on vault, a 6.8 on bars, a 7.15 on beam and an 8.15 on floor.

Fishman is the team's fourth all-around competitor and scored a 29.3. Her highest score came from her well-constructed floor routine that earned her a 7.9. She also earned a 7.6 on vault, a 6.6 on bars and a 7.2 on beam.

After coming off the Pomperaug Invitational last Saturday, Zigmont wanted to focus on beam, as it was their only non-consistent event during the meet. The Lady Wreckers placed sixth out of the 12 teams with 121.2 points.

"This meet was especially important, because it gave us a good look at the teams we might face in states," said Zigmont.

At the Pomperaug Invitational, Zigmont made a switch which paid off against Trumbull.

Sophomore Katie Blumenfield, who according to Zigmont had proven herself in practice, replaced sophomore Morgan Cravenho on bars and earned a 4.9 on her second competitive routine. Craveho in turn replaced Blumenfield on vault and scored a 7.6.