The music was loud, the lights were bright, and the energy was electric at the Union County Championship on Thursday night at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School. However, even with immense pressure and high expectations, the girls rose to the occasion, placing third overall with a combined score of 105.55.
The girls got off to a hot start on vault with a combined score of 28.95, and standout performances from senior Katie McDermott and freshman Maddie Lee, receiving a 9.2 and 9.05, respectively. The confidence was undeniable as the team got into their postseason groove. “It was definitely a highlight of the meet,” said McDermott. “The energy was high and we did really well as a team.”
On bars, the Blue Devil’s success continued. Each girl scored above an eight, giving the team a total score of 52.575. Westfield displayed a showcase of skill and liveliness, asserting their presence in the meet. The gym was filled with excitement as each girl hit their routines, but the focus never died down. “You really have to get in the zone for these kinds of meets,” said Lee. “It helps when everyone is cheering and bringing the energy.”
Despite having a great first two events, the girls knew that the beam was where they would be tested the most, both physically and mentally. Despite a few slip-ups early on, McDermott was able to close out the event with near perfection, as she received an 8.95.
After all of the hard work so far, it was time for the Blue Devils to close out the meet on the floor, an event that would determine if they made the podium or not. However, all of the girls stepped up when it mattered most, all scoring above an 8.5. Once again, McDermott led the way for Westfield and received one of the highest scores of the night with a 9.175.
Three athletes completed the all-around, McDermott and senior co-captains Nora Collins and Chloe Katz. This feat is challenging both mentally and physically, but the girls pushed through and ended up all scoring in the mid-thirties.
Despite all of the high scores that the girls received, head coach Jenna Tulapol was most proud of the unity that the girls presented. “Two of our team goals were to keep the positive energy and to stay together as a group, and I thought that [the girls] achieved those two goals,” said Tulapol after the meet.
Although the girls performed extremely well, they are constantly looking for ways to improve. “We definitely have to work on our confidence,” said Tulapol. “We have the skills, we just have to do the mental training to keep us fresh for Sectionals.”
The girls will compete next in their sectional meet on November 2 at St. Thomas Aquinas High School.
