December 20, 2017 at 1:32 p.m.
Short-handed RHS gymnasts fend off Lakeland
Short-handed RHS gymnasts fend off Lakeland
With both all-arounders and another starter scratched from the lineup, the Hodags still managed to edge Lakeland 107.65-106.55 in a non-conference dual meet Tuesday at Lakeland Union High School in Minocqua.
Stephanie Kuester (leg) missed the competition, as did Raven Sturtevant (illness) taking out Rhinelander's two usual competitors in all four events. Makayla Kuester (foot) also missed the meet, meaning the Hodags had to replace 11 of their usual 20 starting positions.
That gave some others a chance to shine. Three different gymnasts won events for the Hodags and freshman Autumn Shafer filled in, in the all-around, taking third.
Last year the Hodags did not have the depth to withstand some key injuries during the middle of the season. An experienced incoming freshman class helped alleviate those concerns. Three of those freshmen - Shafer, Lilli Bishop and Bridget Koser - accounted for 11 of Rhinelander's 20 varsity entries on the night.
"We were able to bump some of them up and they really pulled though," Hodag co-coach April Denis said. "They were able to get some varsity experience with two judges versus one judge."
Shafer finished third on vault, and tied for third on the floor exercise as she scored a 26.425 in the all-around. Bishop also did all four events for Rhinelander, winning the floor exercise (7.475) and taking second on vault (7.75).
"Lilli Bishop had a very nice routine, beautiful dance, fluid jumps," Denis said of Bishop's winning floor exercise routine.
In addition to the freshmen, a few others stepped up. Senior Alyssa Mitchell won the balance beam with a no-fall routine and a personal best score of 7.75.
"Being that she only started doing balance beam last year, midway through her junior year, now she's specializing in it, that was exciting," Denis said. "She had a no-fall routine, very clean, big jumps and nailed her dismount. It all came together for her and she was really happy about it."
Sophomore Harlie Zimmermann won the uneven bars with a 6.475, edging out Lakeland freshman Sarah Thompson (6.2).
"Harlie got her uprise much cleaner this time. She's trying to up her start value," Denis said.
Despite all the missing gymnasts, the Hodags' score on balance beam was comparable to the first three meets of the season. Limiting the number of falls on the apparatus helped the cause.
"The girls focused on trying to get some connections again and being a little more confident as well, which really showed on beam," Denis said. "Mikayla (Evenstad) and Autumn both nailed their back walkovers, unassisted. Emily Radke also had a beautiful routine, one fall, but it's coming together for her."
Tuesday was the final meet before the winter break. The team will be back in Lakeland Jan. 2 for a Great Northern Conference Small dual meet.
"Now we have a little time off an we'll be back up here on the 2nd. Hopefully by then, we'll have all of our starters back," Denis said.
Freelancer Bob Mainhardt contributed to this report.
Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].
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