This gymnastics season was different from past seasons head coach Jenna Zito had coached at Westfield. This year, the Blue Devils had “a strong, larger group of seniors and a big team in general,” Zito said. “Last season we had just one senior; this season we had five who all contributed on multiple events.” The veteran leadership helped the team achieve a dual meet record of 6-2.
The team started the season strong and used that momentum for the following meets. Westfield’s first meet of the season was against Union, and the Blue Devils proved their talent and won by over 30 points. A different Westfield gymnast placed first in each event, showing the depth of the team. The Blue Devils rolled from there. They won the following three dual meets and placed third at a tournament, behind Scotch Plains-Fanwood and Hillsborough.
Unfortunately this win streak came to an end when the Blue Devils traveled to Scotch Plains-Fanwood on Sept. 28 and lost to their rival by just over a point. Senior captain Jessica D’Agosta placed third all-around at this meet and was one of the most consistent competitors all year. At the next meet, the Blue Devils traveled to Hunterdon Central, where they suffered their only other dual-meet loss of the season, losing by 2.5 points.
Despite these being Westfield’s only dual-meet losses, the Blue Devils’ team scores against Scotch Plains-Fanwood and Hunterdon Central were the highest scores they received in dual meets all season. Their highest score this season came at the Cougar Invitational, one of the most competitive tournaments of the season, where they placed second with an impressive score of 108.525. D’Agosta and junior Vendela Surgent helped their team achieve this score and placement at the meet.
After that, Westfield won consecutive dual meets against Union Catholic and Summit. The Blue Devils dominated these two meets, preparing them for the Union County Tournament.
At counties, Westfield knew it would have to give its best effort because the other towns in the county have strong gymnasts as well. The Blue Devils proved they were one of the best teams around by scoring a 107.8 and falling just short to Scotch Plains-Fanwood. D’Agosta and Surgent showed the county their skills by placing fourth and sixth all-around, respectively. They each placed first in one event: D’Agosta on vault and Surgent on beam.
After the county tournament, Westfield shifted its focus to the sectional tournament. Westfield resides in the North 2 section, which consists of very competitive teams, including Hunterdon Central, Scotch Plains-Fanwood and Hillsborough, whom Westfield competed against in meets prior to the sectional tournament. Although the Blue Devils placed sixth at sectionals, they finished with a score of 106.95, and D’Agosta and junior Shannon Gibbs had noteworthy performances.
Going into the North 2 sectional tournament was sentimental for the gymnasts, as they knew their season was nearing an end. “At our last practice, both the seniors and the underclassmen were very emotional that the season had come to an end,” Zito said. “This served as a reminder of how much this program means to our athletes. Sometimes it is not about the scores you get or the medals you receive, but about the bond you have with your teammates and the memories you build together.”
The bond between the girls on the team is one they will never forget. When asked what she will miss most about the team, senior captain Ally Pacifico said, “I will miss every single girl on the team because they have become my best friends.”
The team found most of its success came from the support the gymnasts gave each other. “We compete better when we are having fun and cheering loudly,” D’Agosta said, “it is what we do best.”
The Blue Devils look to continue their success within the county and section next year. They’ll lose five seniors for next season, but many gymnasts will return in pursuit of further success.
