Westfield Owns Summit in Promising Fashion

The gym echoed with cheers and ecstatic energy as both Summit and Westfield huddled on the floor seconds before the meet began. Each team looked to capture one final win in the last meet before the Union County Tournament. However, Westfield came out on top, 104.4-97.175, and picked up its second win in a row on Thursday evening to end the regular season on a high note. 

Vault was the first event of the meet as five Westfield gymnasts looked to obtain high scores for their team. Ultimately, junior Shannon Gibbs had the highest score on vault for both Westfield and Summit with an 8.95. The Blue Devils outscored the Hilltoppers in this event with dominating scores, giving them the confidence needed to excel on bars. 

Westfield’s bar routines were packed with skills and showcased the talent of the competitors. Bar routines are judged on mount, dismount, circling, turning and release skills.  Senior and co-captain Jessica D’Agosta scored the highest on bars after receiving an 8.9 for her toe shoot, free hip handstand and finishing back layout.

D’Agosta leads her team alongside co-captains and seniors Brooke Williams and Ally Pacifico. D’Agosta said, “It is important to continuously cheer the girls on during their routine to ensure that they stay confident, and if someone falls we have to tell the girls that it is only one meet out of many of the season.” A high-energy atmosphere truly illuminates the competitive environment. 

Westfield exerted its superiority on beam as well, as three out of five Westfield gymnasts stuck their routines. Freshman Annabel Lang scored the highest on beam with an 8.25 for her impressive balance and grace throughout the event. 

The floor is Westfield’s strong suit as the Blue Devils compose routines highlighting both dance and tricks. Gibbs and junior Emily McGovern each received a 9.2 for their entertaining and masterful floor routines and led their team to an overwhelming victory. 

The Blue Devils smoldered the Hilltoppers on all four events with Gibbs receiving the highest overall scores for two events, after competing in three of the four events. Gibbs said, “I’m super happy that I’m able to contribute to the team and even compete.” This meet was only her third meet back after missing six weeks due to an injury, making her high scoring that much more impressive. 

Unlike other sports, gymnastics has a very supportive environment between opposing teams as the parents for each side cheered for both teams. It was evident with each “stay up” and “don’t fall” that everyone wanted each gymnast to stick their routine.

With the win, the Blue Devils improved their record to 6-2 and will look to continue their success into the county tournament, slated for Oct. 20. 

Westfield head coach Jenna Zito said, “It’s good to see the girls get in there because this is their last time in a competition setting before counties. We have a week to practice and assess what we did to make sure we are cleaning up the little things in time for counties.”